Windsor police say several victims have been defrauded of over $56,000 in the month of January because of the CRA scam.
In one incident, a victim received a call from someone posing as a representative from the Canada Revenue Agency, saying they had audited their taxes for the years of 2010-2014 and owe $3,000.
They said that if the debt is not settled immediately they would be arrested.
The victim cooperated and utilized pay loaded credited cards and money grams. They were called back again and advise they owed more because of another audit involving the years of 2006-2009 and another call again for the years 2000-2005.
The victim complied with the subsequent requests.
They called back again and said his wife also owes money.
Police say he cooperated with these requests as well and transferred over $34,000 in total.
He found out he was a victim of a scam when he called the CRA directly.
There were also four other reported incidents involving the same CRA Scam and the losses to victims ranged from $3,000 to $8,500. In some of these cases people were transferring money to the IRS in the United States in US funds which is also a sign that it is a fraud scam.
Police want to remind the public to remain vigilant and know that the CRA would never contact you by e-mail, or would they ever have you pay an outstanding debt with a pre-loaded gift card or money gram.
If you have any doubts call the CRA directly at 1-800-267-6999.
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police have launched a Crime Prevention Campaign "Know Who You're Dealing With" and have more information on how you can protect yourself. http://bit.ly/1K0pWWB
There have also been reports of automated messages left on answering machines. Police warn to not call these numbers back.
Anyone with information is asked to contact at 519-255-6700 ext., Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS), online at www.catchcrooks.com, or Submit a Tip on Facebook.
