North Vancouver RCMP are warning the public again about CRA scam calls. North Vancouver RCMP receives complaints about scam calls in waves, sometimes dozens in just one day.
“Like many thousands of Canadians, I get these calls every once in a while too,” said Sgt. Peter DeVries of the North Vancouver RCMP.
“So I thought I would share the recorded message I recently received. My hope is that it will act as a warning to others, and perhaps prevent someone who’s never heard it before from becoming a victim.”
The fact that there have been so many complaints is a good sign, DeVries said.
“It tells us that people are identifying these calls as bogus, and that means they’re not falling for them.”
Anyone who receives communications, whether by phone, text message, or email, is asked to report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1 (888) 495-8501.
Sgt. DeVries underlined the fact that CRA will never ask for information about your passport, health card, or driver’s license.
CRA will also not demand that people pay a tax debt by crypto-currencies such as bitcoin, prepaid credit cards or gift cards from retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, or others.
CRA officials also don’t use aggressive language or threaten people with arrests.
CRA officials don’t leave voicemails that are threatening or give personal or financial information.
Police are warning that if something feels unusual, or have any suspicion, hang up the phone.
For more information on detecting scams, here are some links you can follow to find additional resources:
I have noticed that the call display is masked somehow. Every time I get a scam call from the CRA scammers, the number appears as a 604 and then the first three numbers of my phone number, different last four numbers. I called the number once & it was someone who lives in Maple Ridge.
Not sure if other people are noticing this pattern.