Mississauga (Mar 1) – It’s tax season and Peel police are urging everyone to be vigilant of all frauds, specifically taxpayer related scams.
Fraudsters have created sophisticated deliveries of scams where they pretend to be members of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in hopes of obtaining personal information, money, and/or identity, police said in a news release. This year’s attacks are more convincing than ever; the communications are more realistic and appear legitimate, using Government of Canada logos. The fraudsters hope individuals will click on the link that directs them to their web page where personal information such as passwords and social insurance numbers are stolen.
The Canada Revenue Agency will not ask for personal or financial information by email or ask anyone to click a link that will redirect them, police warned. Under no circumstances should one click these links and provide personal information.
Anyone who is unsure is advised to visit the true CRA website at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html or contact them directly.
Police are urging everyone to please remind family and friends around of this fraud and get the message out to as many people as possible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext. 3335. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
March is Fraud Prevention Month, which is an annual campaign that seeks to help the community recognize, reject and report fraud.
