It’s tax season, which means scammers are on the rise to trick innocent individuals out of their money and their personal information. Tax scams are one of the most reported scams to police.

Here are some of the tactics scammers will use:

• Claim that you have a compromised SIN number.
• Say that you have an outstanding case against you.
• Claim you owe back taxes or have unpaid balances.
• Accuse you of committing a financial crime
• Threaten that if you do not speak to them immediately, you will be arrested, fined, or deported.

These tactics can be sent via phone call, text, mail, or email.

Scammers will also request payment via money service businesses, pre-paid credit/gift cards, or cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.

The OPP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reminds residents to not fall for these scams and to keep yourself safe by slowing down, avoiding suspicious links, and never give out personal or sensitive information to people you don’t know – especially if they’re texting or calling from random numbers.

For more information or report a scam please visit The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or by calling 1-(888)-495-8501.