As Canadians prepare to file their taxes for another year, no shortage of unscrupulous fraudsters will be preying on people’s fears of the taxman.
Every year, many citizens fall victim to con artists who seek to cheat people out of their hard-earned money.
In fact, the CBC reported in a March 2016 article that exploiting people’s anxiety of the taxman, as well as offers of love to lonely hearts, are among the top scenarios preferred by swindlers.
"In total, Canadians reported losing $61 million to scams last year, according to the Better Business Bureau of Canada. But that likely represents only five per cent of the $1.2 billion the BBB estimates Canada’s actually lost to scammers in 2015,” reported the CBC.
Many cases of fraud are believed to go unreported because victims might experience embarrassment and choose not to inform anyone, including authorities. But any individual who has been victimized by a con is far from alone, and certainly should not for a moment hesitate to report the incident.
Fortunately, there are ways to recognize an attempted con. An unmistakable red flag that should immediately set off mental alarm bells during an unsolicited phone call is the caller’s tone — any threats or otherwise remotely aggressive attempts to extract personal information is a clear indication of fraud.
In essence, anyone who has so much as the slightest shred of doubt that a call or email he or she has received is suspicious should at all costs refrain from responding, either by clicking on spurious links or by providing private information to a caller.
Instead, turn the table around and attempt to obtain the caller’s information. Also, refrain from clicking on any links within a suspicious email, no matter how legitimate the correspondence might look.
People who following such an exchange might be left with uncomfortable concerns that the taxman will come knocking at their front door can simply call the Canada Revenue Agency to verify the situation or seek clarification.
These instances seem to be occurring with growing frequency, and the RCMP has already issued press releases warning Albertans about the risk. Authorities have already received reports from the public, which typically include citizens expressing concerns about suspicious phone calls they are receiving.
A fraudulent caller will typically use high-pressure tactics to intimidate potential victims by telling them they’ll be arrested should they fail to pay money supposedly owed to Canada Revenue Agency, police say.
"If you receive a call from someone claiming you owe money, get as much information from them as possible, do not provide any of your information, and tell them you will call them back,” stated a press release.
"Don’t trust the phone number or email from the caller. Verify they are who they say they are from a legitimate website.”
Additionally, the RCMP reminds Albertans that police will never make an arrest for overdue CRA fines. Also, the tax agency will not request payments by prepaid credit cards or gift cards.
"These methods are used by the criminal element to hide their activities from police.”
Also bear in mind the fact that the CRA will only contact Canadians through their secure online accounts — which only they should have access to — as opposed to by phone or regular email.
Anyone who believes he or she might be a victim of fraud or have given personal or financial information unwittingly is encouraged to contact police. The Sundre RCMP detachment can be reached during regular hours at 403-638-3675.
For more information on scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or call toll free at 1-888-495-8501. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
Simon's Spiel
Bear in mind the fact that the Canada Revenue Agency will only contact Canadians through their secure online accounts - which only they should have access to - as opposed to by phone or regular email.
