Campbell River RCMP has seen a rise in calls regarding a revamped Canada Revenue scam, and is now sending out some important reminders to the public.
Constable Maury Tyre says people around town have been receiving calls that show The City of Campbell River as the caller ID.
When answering the call, a recording says that you’re under investigation. A voice prompts you to press a number to speak to an agent, and if you press the wrong number, Tyre says you’re told that the RCMP is coming to get you.
Then, after a sales pitch, you’re pressured into buying prepaid credit cards and iTunes cards.
“It’s all a lie,” he says. “There are call centres in foreign locations that are using internet phone numbers to provide a fake caller ID to show that they are local or federal government agencies when you answer your phone.”
Tyre says the RCMP has been working with foreign agencies to have some of these call centres shut down, but when one closes down, another pops up.
If you receive a call like this, you’re reminded to hang up right away. Never provide any personal information over the phone.
If you feel the call may be real, Tyre says that you should still hang up. Then, look up the number in a phone book, call it back and ask if anyone there was trying to contact you.
“Honestly, I receive at least three calls a week myself,” says Tyre. “Sometimes I will actually respond and tell them they’ve reached the police. I usually receive swearing and insults back and a quick hang up.”
Tyre adds that the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website provides all sorts of up to date information about recent fraud trends in Canada.
To report an incident of attempted fraud by phone, call the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at 1 (888) 495-8501. If you have actually been a victim of fraud and have lost money, reach out to the local RCMP detachment.
