New Hazelton RCMP is warning the public to beware of phone scammers posing as tax office workers and police officers.
According to a police statement issued today, residents of the Hazeltons are being targeted by scam artists over the phone.
One of the scams involves a caller who claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and says they have a warrant for the victims’ arrest over a tax debt. The callers ask the victim to transfer money electronically to cancel the warrant.
In another variation of the scam, the caller makes the same demand but claims to be a police officer from the local detachment.
New Hazelton RCMP said the scammers may be able to hijack the phone number of the nearest detachment so it appears on caller ID.
“If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the RCMP demanding money, it is a fraudulent call,” said Corporal Rob Donovan.
“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.
