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RCMP warning about CRA scam in Sask.

Jul 19, 2016 | 8:26 AM

A Canada Revenue Agency scam has cost dozens of people thousands of dollars in Saskatchewan.

RCMP said they’ve received more than 850 complaints about the scam this year alone, with 17 people fallen victim and $70,000 in losses.

In this particular scam, a person might get a call from someone pretending to be from the CRA or police. The caller will say money is owed and threaten legal action, arrest and seizure of things like homes and vehicles if payment isn’t made.

Sometimes numbers from a scam call from can look like Saskatchewan area codes, but police said it’s often 800-numbers or non-Saskatchewan area codes.

The RCMP is reminding people the CRA does not contact people by phone, text or email. The agency also won’t ask people for payment by prepaid card or gift cards.

If someone receives a call like this, it’s important to write down the details and contact local police along with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

RCMP said people should not to give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers over the phone.

If you unwittingly provided personal or financial information contact local police and file a report. Also, contact your bank or financial institution and credit card company, before informing national credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit reports.

                     

lschick@cjme.com

On Twitter: @LMSchickler