The OPP is asking residents not to call the police unless you’re a victim of fraud.
Police say they have been inundated with calls from locals concerned about a Canada Revenue Agency scam. Officials say it’s not necessary to call the police unless you’ve given out banking information or sent money to a potential scammer. The scammers will often contact you by phone, email or texts claiming you have an outstanding balance to pay on your previous tax return. The OPP says fraudsters are identifiable as they will likely ask for obscure forms of payment like bitcoin, gift cards or credit card numbers. The CRA will never ask for these types of payments according to police.
If you have questions about these and other scams, you can call the OPP Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.