Over the past week, Battlefords RCMP have received an increase in phone scams claiming they are the Canada Revenue Agency. 

The RCMP want to remind the public that the CRA; will not threaten you to pay your taxes, will not leave a voicemail, text or email telling you there is a warrant out for your arrest. They will not accept a form of payment via Bitcoin, gift cards or money transfers and they will not have you deported if you do not pay your tax debt.

Speaking on scam related activities, Constable Michael Hagel stresses, the CRA will never ask for gift cards as a form of payment. 

“Often times, with these scams, they are praying on the elderly or people who expect something for nothing. They’re an issue because they are depriving people of lots and lots of money.”

Nationally, the RCMP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre have been working with International Law Enforcement to break up the illegal call centre working in India.

From September 2018 to January 2019, 40 call centres have been shut down and 60 people have been arrested. 

“Hang up the phone right away and let us know. If you think you’ve been scammed, it’s very important to contact the RCMP. It helps us track these guys and hopefully we make a few arrests.”   

The RCMP will continue to develop information on the locations of the call centres. If you believe you’ve received a scam call, inform your local RCMP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-498-8501 or on their website.