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The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would again like to remind citizens to be diligent if they receive an email, a phone call, text or mail that indicates it is from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

The most recent scam reported to the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service involves a caller advising they are investigators with the CRA.

The following is a sample of a current telephone scam that has been provided by the CRA:

The reason behind this call is to notify you that we have registered a criminal case against your name concerning a tax evasion and tax fraud in the federal court house.  So if you want any further information about this case, please make sure you give us a call back as quick as possible to our direct hotline number to the Canada Revenue Agency Headquarters. That is 613-927-9919, I will please repeat the number, it is 613-927-9919.  If we don’t receive a call from your side, please be prepared to face the legal consequences, as the issue of tax is extremely serious and time-sensitive. So have a blessed time. 

Another Sample provided on the CRA website

…at hand is extremely time-sensitive. I am officer Nicky Johnson from the Canada Revenue Agency, and the hot-line to my division is 613-665-0503. I repeat, it’s 613-665-0503. Don’t disregard this message, and do return the call before we take any action against you. Goodbye and take care.

If you receive a call that says you owe funds keep in mind the CRA has a toll free number.  You can also go to their website and check under “my Account” to be sure.

If the contact from CRA asks for your social insurance number, credit card number, bank account number or passport number these are all red flags that this is a scam. Do not provide the information.

The CRA will not ask for any personal information by email or text message. They will not request payment by prepaid credit cards.

The only time the CRA will send an email containing links is if you have call them and request a specific form or link.  They will forward you that information during the telephone call.

Please be sure to share this information with any family members who may not have access to the internet. Knowledge is the key to preventing scams.

The CRA is aware of these scams and has provided information on their website on how you recognize a scam involving their agency.  Be sure to visit them at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ntcs/bwr-eng.html

If you have any information regarding these crimes, or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit an e-tip from the Crime Stoppers’ website at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or text keyword SSM with your tip to 274637. Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. See Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use.

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