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Phone scam threatens arrest for overdue taxes

Saanich Police are warning of a CRA phone scam targeting citizens from across Greater Victoria.

Saanich Police are warning of a phone scam targeting citizens from across Greater Victoria. Multiple Victoria area homes have reported phone calls from someone purporting to be from the Canada Revenue Agency.

During these calls, the caller states that there are outstanding amounts due immediately and the caller threatens that police will be contacted if payment is not made immediately. In most cases, the caller threatens an outstanding warrant for arrest. The caller offers a negotiation to waive the warrant if immediate payment is made.

The caller then attempts to obtain personal information from the recipient of the call, which is used for other fraud related purposes.

“Our call takers have reported receiving hundreds of calls from concerned citizens about this ongoing scam,” said Sgt. Steve Eassie. “However, unless the person receiving the call has provided personal information, or has been actually defrauded of funds, there is no need for the phone call to be reported to police.”

Canada Revenue Agency will not solicit information by phone, Eassie said.

“Should someone call your home stating they are from the CRA, it is more than likely that this is a scam,” Eassie said. “The best thing to do is to simply hang up the phone and not provide any information.”

Residents that have not lost any money and/or have not provided personal or financial information (relating to a fraud or scam), but want to inform the appropriate organizations, can report it to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501.

reporter@saanichnews.com