The following news release courtesy of the Powell River RCMP.
Total Calls for Service = 88
Impaired Driving = 4
Assaults = 4
Break and Enters = 1
Thefts = 6
Mischief = 4
Tax Scams
In recent weeks, the Powell River RCMP have been receiving complaints of attempted Fraud artists posing as Canada Revenue Agency officials. On one occasion, a Powell River resident received an email from someone identifying themselves as the Canada Revenue Agency, stating the individual had a warrant and would be arrested unless they payed $4,500.00 in outstanding taxes. The resident almost fell victim to the scam but fortunately contacted the Powell River RCMP for clarification. On another occasion a Powell River resident received an email from someone identifying themselves as the CRA, this time requesting his Social Insurance Number as well as credit card information. Again, fortunately the individual came to the police before agreeing to provide the requested personal information.
Police would like to remind the public of the prevalence of these scams, especially with tax time fast approaching. Fraudsters impersonate the real Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) both by email and telephone. They will either try to obtain your personal information, or ask that outstanding taxes be paid to them. There are certain steps that one can take to protect themselves. The following steps are taken directly from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website, the central agency in Canada that collects information and criminal intelligence on various frauds.
• Do not take immediate action. Verify that what you are being told is the truth.
• Ask yourself why the CRA would be asking for personal information over the phone or email that they likely already have on file for you as a taxpayer.
• Contact the CRA to confirm that you owe back taxes, or are entitled to a refund, before providing any personal or banking information.
For more information on these or other types of scams please can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-88-495-8501, or visit their website at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
