Officers in the Beaverlodge community are warning residents of an ongoing phone scam that’s targeting locals.
Police say with the scam, suspects contact potential victims by phone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency and advise the victim owes tax money that must be paid as soon as possible.
“Of concern in recent complaints is that number displayed on the potential victims call display was Beaverlodge detachment’s phone number. The suspects use high pressure tactics and in some cases threaten the victim with arrest if the amount owing is not paid,” a release stated.
RCMP say if you receive a call from someone claiming you owe money, get as much information from them as possible and tell them you will call them back. Find the government agencies’ phone number through a trusted source (phone book, or official website) and call the department back. Don’t trust the phone number or email from the caller until you have verified that they are who they say they are.
Residents are also reminded to never share any personal information with the caller, such as confirming name, date of birth, social insurance number, address, etc.
“RCMP advise that no legitimate government agency or business will demand payment in gift cards or prepaid credit cards. These methods are used by the criminal element to hide their activities from police.”
Read the full story over at the Daily Herald Tribune.
