Thursday, March 28, 2024

RCMP warn of scammers posing as CRA after Langford man defrauded

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West Shore RCMP are cautioning the public after a Langford man was defrauded by scammers posing as government agencies.

The man called the police on December 17th to report that he had been the victim of fraud after receiving a call from someone claiming to be with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

The fraudster told the victim that dozens of credit cards had been opened in the victim’s name and they now owed money to the CRA.

They then told the victim that the investigation would be transferred to the RCMP and asked for the West Shore RCMP’s phone number.

The victim then received a phone call from what appeared to be the West Shore RCMP non-emergency line.

During this second call the victim provided personal information including their social insurance number to the fraudster, who posed as a police officer and threatened to arrest the victim.

The victim was pressured by the fraudster into purchasing over $800 in Google Play gift cards.

Cst. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer, says this is a common scam where fraudsters use internet phone phishing technology to change their numbers on a victim’s call display.

She says that CRA investigations will never be transferred to police and police will never ask for a person’s social security number or ask for money.

“We are reminding the public to stay vigilant and protect yourself against fraud,” said Saggar.

For more information on how to keep yourself safe from fraud visit the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre website.

Tim Ford
Tim Ford
Digital staff writer with Victoria Buzz

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