Beaverlodge RCMP warn public of Canada Revenue Agency scam as victim lost over $20,000

March 12, 2020
Beaverlodge, Alberta

News release

On March 11, 2020, Beaverlodge RCMP received a call from a member of the public regarding a possible Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam.

Further investigation revealed that a 56-year-old resident of the Beaverlodge area reported receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be an "officer" with Service Canada, stating that a large sum of money was owed to the CRA. The complainant was told by the "officer" that a local RCMP officer would be in contact. Shortly thereafter, the complainant received a call from a male falsely claiming to be an "officer" for Beaverlodge RCMP, stating that the complainant had arrest warrants for multiple offences, including fraud and drug trafficking. The male further advised the complainant to withdraw all funds from their bank account and send it to their account in order to be cleared of the charges.

The complainant withdrew over $20,000 in separate withdrawals and sent it to an account provided through an email with an enclosed barcode. It is believed the money was sent through a form of crypto-currency.

Beaverlodge RCMP are currently investigating this incident and would like to remind the public of some basic safety tips when it comes to safety and fraud prevention. A legitimate government agency such as the RCMP, CRA or Service Canada will:

  • Never ask you for money over the phone
  • Never tell you to pay for anything using Bitcoin, other crypto currency, iTunes cards or other gift cards
  • Never ask you to transfer funds to another account. Official payment methods can be confirmed with CRA and Service Canada directly.
  • Never tell you to pay money or threaten to arrest you for tax fraud
  • Never ask you for a Social Insurance Number

If you believe that you have been involved in a similar incident, please contact Beaverlodge RCMP at 780-354-2955 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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Contact information

Corporal Deanna Fontaine
Media Relations Officer
Western Alberta District RCMP
780-995-7310

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