Battlefords RCMP over the past week have received a sharp increase in calls reporting CRA tax scam. 

The public’s assistance is requested in combatting this by reporting directly to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). 

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (www.antifraudcentre.ca or 1-888-495-8501).

Nationally the RCMP and the CAFC have been working with International Law Enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle the illegal call centre network in India, which is responsible for perpetrating the CRA tax scam and other mass marketing related scams. The results of these combined law enforcement efforts from September of 2018 to January of 2019 include the takedown of approximately 40 call centres and the arrests of over 60 individuals, who are now facing prosecution in India. The scam is being committed by organized crime groups operating out of multiple locations throughout India.

The RCMP are continuing to develop leads and information on the locations of these illegal call centres for enforcement purposes, in an effort to dismantle and disrupt these types of mass marketing schemes.

The RCMP offers the following tips to help the public avoid the CRA tax scam:

• The CRA will not call and threaten you to pay a tax debt;
• The CRA will not call, leave a voice message, text or email you advising of a warrant of arrest for a tax debt;
• The CRA will not request that you pay a tax debt through the use of crypto currencies such as Bitcoin or gift cards, or money transfers;
• The CRA will not have you deported if you do not pay an owed tax debt;
• Report suspected fraud. If you suspect a CRA tax scam, STOP! HANG UP THE PHONE!

REPORTING……   If you believe you are a victim or if you have information in relation to those responsible for committing or helping those committing the CRA tax scam, please report it to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (www.antifraudcentre.ca or 1-888-495-8501).