Police are warning the public about a telephone scam in the Cowichan Valley.
During the last few weeks, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP have been fielding as many as 40 calls a day reporting calls from an individual who claims to be a Canada Revenue Agency agent.
The fake CRA agent threatens to launch a lawsuit against the taxpayer if they don’t send money the CRA believes it is owed.
The scammers also ask the victims to buy iTunes cards and an officer will be by to pick them up.
“We are hoping that the average taxpayer knows that the legitimate CRA would never call them and act in this manner, and they don’t resolve their debts owed to them by way of a lawsuit or iTunes cards,” said RCMP Cpl. Krista Hobday. “Most scams are received by phone, mail, and email. If you receive a call from someone claiming to represent the CRA and informing you that you owe money, it is recommended that you hang up and call your local CRA office and speak to a representative.”
For more information about scams or to report one visit www.antifraudcentre.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.