Belleville police warn public of CRA scam

By Michael Fleming

BELLEVILLE – The Belleville Police Service is warning residents about a email scam claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Police say they received a complaint on Wednesday from an individual who received an email they thought was from the CRA. The email said that the individual was entitled to a $600 return for the 2017 tax year and provided a link, saying the individual had 24 hours to claim it.

Once the link was clicked, police say the individual was asked to provide personal information. Once they did, they realized the email was a scam and contacted the police.

Police remind the public that the CRA does not ask for personal information via email or text, request any payments by prepaid credit cards, leave personal information on an answering machine or give away any personal information except with the permission of the individual. People should ask themselves if they are expecting more money, if the information being requested is something that the CRA already has or is even required, or if the individual provided an email or requested email correspondence when their tax return was filed.

Police say the public should know that these fraud scams occur year round, but happen more during tax season. They are asking the public to protect their identity and to ask for clarification if anyone is unsure of any message that says it is from the CRA.