Several residents in the Yellowhead area have recently reported receiving telephone calls from persons who claim they are with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Police say that the caller usually states that they are from Canada Revenue Taxation and proceeds to advise potential victims that they owe income tax money and that it must be paid immediately over the phone otherwise a warrant of arrest will be issued. The caller then asks for financial information or a credit card number to take care of the matter.
Police warn the public that these types of telephone scams, which have been around for years, are designed to solicit financial information from potential victims, putting them at risk of significant financial loss.
“While reports of these fraudulent calls are primarily from the Yellowhead area, all Manitobans should be aware of this scam. If you are unsure about a suspicious call, do not engage with the caller and simply hang up,” says Sgt. Bert Paquet of the Manitoba RCMP. “There are no government agencies, including the police, that collect money this way, and never with the threat of a warrant being issued for your arrest if you do not pay.”
The public is advised not to engage in communication with these types of telephone calls. If you have received similar telephones calls or know of someone who has, please contact your local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
