Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Prince Edward County Detachment would like to remind residents that fraud does not only take place online. Fraudsters have recently inundated cell phones, landlines and business phones. An individual may receive a phone call advising them there is a warrant for their arrest. Fraudsters have been known to route these phone calls through legitimate numbers, unbeknownst to the subscriber. They are often local numbers. If you call back, the subscriber is unaware their number is being used to route fraudulent calls.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does call taxpayers occasionally but if a call seems suspicious, or unprofessional, hang up. If you have any doubts about a CRA call, contact them to confirm your tax situation 1-800-959-8281 or access the CRA’s secure portals online.
The CRA never leaves personal information on an answering machine.
Things to keep in mind when receiving a suspicious phone call:
- Do they use your proper name?
- Is there a reasonable connection between your business and their call?
- Can you confirm their credentials?
- Ask clarifying questions
- Do not disclose personal information until the validity is confirmed
These fraudsters continue to evolve and develop new techniques.
Knowledge is Power!
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, managed by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police has plenty of information on fraud.
ABOVE NOTICE IS COURTESY OF OPP.
