The OPP would like to warn the public of an ongoing telephone scam. Imposters claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency are calling victims and telling them they owe thousands of dollars on back taxes. The scammers threaten the victims with arrest and jail time if they do not hand over payment immediately. Police would like to remind you the Canada Revenue Agency does not operate in this manner. If you get a call asking for your banking information or a money transfer, don’t do it. Report the incident to police.
A scam that has again surfaced in the area is the “emergency” or “grandparent” scam. In these cases the victim typically receives a frantic phone call from someone claiming to be a grandchild or loved one. The scammer will explain they are involved in some sort of mishap or are having trouble returning from a foreign country and need money right away. If a scam artist contacts you contact the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). You can file a report with the CAFC by calling 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday9:00am – 5:00pm EST) or by using their online reporting tool at www.antifraudcentre.ca