As tax season ramps up, the Regina Police Service is once again warning residents of Regina of CRA scam attempts. These scams circulate all year, but recently, fraudsters who impersonate the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada are taking advantage of tax season to increase their attempts to inundate potential victims through phone, text message or email.
Residents have reported being contacted by someone claiming to work for CRA or Service Canada and in many of the cases, the scammer may tell the recipient that they are under investigation and that person must cooperate by offering up their personal information, including their Social Insurance Number (SIN). The scammers often threaten legal consequences if information is not given. If you receive such a call or message, do not be intimidated into giving personal information.
The Regina Police Service advises the public to always refrain from giving your SIN or other personal and financial information out over the phone. If you are suspicious of a call, hang up and contact the real Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada to ask if you are the subject of any sort of audit or investigation.
If you have already given out your Social Insurance Number over the phone, please come to Regina Police Headquarters and attend the front desk to make a report.
More information about recognizing a scam is available at //reginapolice.ca/resources/crime/crime-prevention-tips/recognize-a-scam/.
