The tax deadline has come and gone, however, scammers continue to pray on Canadian taxpayers. You may get a phone call from a person aggressively telling you to pay the taxes you owe. In order to trick Canadians into thinking they are indeed calling from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), scammers may change the information that appears on the Caller ID display. This is call Caller ID Spoofing.
Caller ID is a useful function. However, the information displayed can be altered by criminals. Never use only the displayed information to confirm the identity of the caller whether it be an individual, a company or a government entity.
In an effort to prevent you from falling prey to these cons, the CRA is releasing transcripts of the scams that are currently targeting taxpayers.
Sample 1
The first example is a voice message that was received by a CRA employee based in Halifax and contains several red flags you should be aware of:
Transcript:
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.
Sample 2
The second example is a voice message of telephone scam in which the caller urges the listener to return a call, before legal action is taken against them. The call contains several red flags that you should be aware of:
Transcript:
…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.
Sample 3
The third example is another voice message telephone scam in which the caller urges the listener to return a call before legal action is taken against them. The call contains several red flags that you should be aware of:
Transcript:
So in next 24 hours we will be marking a lien on your assets and your bank accounts due to your inability to settle your dues with the CRA. A bill collection officer will visit you soon to complete the paper works. If you have any questions then call our tax default line. 888-745-0433, I repeat it’s, 888-745-0433. If you don’t call immediately, or if we don’t hear from your attorney either, then you will be solely responsible for all legal consequences. Goodbye.
If you receive suspicious and threatening calls it is a tax scam. Fraudsters are no only claim to be calling from the CRA, but they are also spoofing numbers that may lend them credence. Make sure not to divulge any personal and financial information. Hang up immediately. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your local authorities.
Haven’t done your taxes your taxes yet? It’s not too late. Contact The lions Accounting Group Ltd., Chartered Professional Accountants at 604 926 3522.