The Olds RCMP Detachment has recently experienced a significant uptick in reports of attempted frauds involving individuals posing as representatives of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). While this type of fraud is not new, the detachment estimates that they have received 20 to 30 inquiries daily over the past week regarding these attempts.
The fraudsters reach out to potential victims through various means, including phone calls, letters, emails, text messages, and online refund forms. Emails have been particularly prevalent in recent weeks, with scammers continually altering their tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
Many people in the Olds area have recognized these fraudulent attempts and discarded them without reporting to local authorities. However, the sheer volume of attempts highlights the importance of remaining vigilant.
How the Scam Works
The fraud attempts often involve communications from individuals claiming to be from the CRA. They may demand personal or financial information under the guise of clearing up tax issues, processing refunds, or avoiding penalties. These scams are designed to create a sense of urgency, prompting victims to act quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the contact.
How to Recognize and Protect Yourself from Scams
The CRA has provided a list of 21 examples of fraudulent emails on their website www.cra-arc.gc.ca. The website also offers information on how to recognize these scams and protect yourself from falling victim.
What to Do if You’ve Been Targeted or Victimized
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a CRA impersonation scam or have unfortunately fallen victim to one, the CRA and RCMP recommend taking the following steps:
Report Deceptive Telemarketing: If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Contact Local Police: If you suspect you may have been tricked into providing personal or financial information, contact your local police service immediately.
Social Insurance Number (SIN) Concerns: If your SIN has been compromised, contact Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218 for assistance.
Disabling CRA Online Access: If you believe your CRA user ID or password has been compromised, you can request that the CRA disable your online access by contacting their e-Services Helpdesk. If you later decide to restore access, you can contact the Helpdesk again to re-enable it.
Stay Informed and Vigilant
With the increasing frequency of these scams, the Olds RCMP urges residents to remain cautious and informed. By staying aware of the latest fraud tactics and knowing how to protect yourself, you can avoid falling victim to these criminals.
For more information on recognizing and preventing scams, visit the CRA website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Contact Information: Shawn Morgan (Cpl.)
Olds Detachment – RCMP
Phone: 403-556-3324
Stay safe and stay informed!
