City Police Supplied by city police…
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind citizens once again to be diligent if they receive an email, a phone call or text that indicates it is from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Several reports have been received from local citizens recently advising they have received a phone call from persons indicating that they are from the CRA and are collecting owed money. These calls are a scam.
Unfortunately citizens have fallen victim to these crimes. The persons making these calls attempt to force payment of alleged unpaid taxes while on the phone with unsuspecting citizens.  Banking information is requested and or strange methods of immediate payment are suggested.
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.
The CRA will not ask for any personal information by email or text message. They will not request payment by prepaid credit cards or wire transfer methods.
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.
If you have been a victim of this scam please report it to the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service at 705-949-6300.
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