More Fraudulent Scams Emerging in Fraud Prevention Month

As we approach the mid-point in Fraud Prevention Month, the Calgary Police Service continues to warn Calgarians to be vigilant when receiving questionable requests for money or personal information.

Another emerging fraudulent scam has appeared in Calgary as of late. In this case, the scam involves individuals of South Asian descent impersonating CRA or CIA agents to extort money from individuals within Calgary's South Asian community.

Over the past few months, and more so over the past two weeks, a number of members of Calgary’s South Asian community have been contacted by phone and advised that they have not responded to up to three demands for payment from either Canada Revenue Agency, the CIA or other agencies with similar acronyms. The fraudster then demands the individual immediately wire money to them or the police will come to their homes to arrest them and put them in jail.

If you receive such a phone call, do not wire money to these individuals. If you have concerns about your taxes, contact Canada Revenue Agency directly. The Calgary Police Service does not make a practice of attending individual residences to arrest and jail people on behalf of the CRA.

If you believe you have been a victim of this or any other fraud, please contact police.