Port Moody police are warning residents that its own phone number is being used by fraudsters claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency.
The department says there have been numerous tips by concerned citizens claiming that the Port Moody police phone number (604-461-3456) has been popping up on call-displays when contacted by criminals claiming to be CRA officials demanding immediate payment of back taxes or refunds.
“In some cases, the caller threatens to have the person arrested if they refuse to co-operate,” said spokesperson Const. Luke van Winkel in a statement. “These calls are not coming from the Port Moody Police Department. Unfortunately technology makes it quite simple to alter the number that appears on call-display, as is the case in these calls.”
The police department is warning residents not to give up their personal information over the phone.
“The CRA will not request personal information of any kind by phone or email,” said van Winkel. “If you are in doubt, contact the CRA to verify if you owe or are owed back taxes.”
Anyone with information about this scam, or who has been a victim of it, is asked to contact their local police department.