The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning that with tax filing season just around the corner, residents should be on the lookout for scams and fraud related to filing taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) expects taxpayers to submit their income tax returns by April 30, and as this date approaches, the east region usually sees an increase in incidents.
Income tax scams involve victims receiving a text message with a link that opens a fake CRA website, which prompts victims to enter their banking information to login. Victims’ banking details are then recorded by the scammer and used for fraudulent purposes.
The CRA would like to remind residents that it will never use text messages or instant messaging to communicate with taxpayers. It also does not use aggressive language or threats when communicating over the phone, and it will never email a link asking for personal or financial details, or a link to access a refund. The CRA does not demand immediate payment through e-transfer, pre-paid credit cards, or Bitcoin.
Anybody who falls victim to fraud, or knows someone who has, should contact their local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by phone at 1-888-495-8501 or online at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477.
