Tax fraudsters posing as officers, warn Toronto-area police

Toronto-area investigators are warning residents about tax-collection scammers who are posing as police officers.

On January 26, 2016, York Regional Police say they responded to a fraud incident at a residence in the City of Markham. In a release, police say the victim explained she received a phone call from suspects claiming to be with the Canada Revenue Agency. The suspects allegedly told her she owed $58,000 dollars in overdue taxes. But, say police, the victim found the call suspicious and hung up.

Soon after, says the release, the victim received a second call from a number that showed up as York Regional Police on her display, during which the suspects allegedly told the victim she would be arrested if she didn’t pay them immediately. The victim hung up again, say police, but the two suspects then arrived at her residence in a black SUV. They add the victim didn’t answer the door.

York Regional Police caution they’ve seen a recent increase in reports of tax-related scams where suspects identify themselves as police officers. These are often done via phone calls or emails, they add.

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York Regional Police remind residents they don’t engage in tax collection of any type nor do they arrest individuals in relation to overdue taxes. And, they’re warning people to report any calls or emails of this nature.

Also, if approached by suspicious individuals, people should ask for badge and photo identification. Any suspects should be reported to the York Regional Police Major Fraud Unit.

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