RENFREW COUNTY (Petawawa) — The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to warn the public of an ongoing telephone scam by imposters claiming to be Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) employees. The fraudsters advise the target that they owe thousands of dollars in back taxes to the CRA and the intended victim is often threatened with arrest and jail if they do not pay immediately.
With the CRA scam the fraudster attempts to create a sense of urgency which may cause the victim to not verify the story. The scammer will often insist that the victim not tell anyone and to transfer the money that has been requested through a money transfer company or even through the victim’s own banking institution. Also, many scammers want to trick you into providing your banking and personal information. In fact, the criminals will fraudulently use your personal information to steal your money.
If a scam artist contacts you or if you have been defrauded contact your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). You can file a report with the CAFC by calling 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST) or by using their online reporting tool at www.antifraudcentre.ca
