Police received more than 50 phone calls last week reporting attempted Canada Revenue Agency fraud — and two people have fallen victim to the scam.
Oceanside RCMP Cpl. Jesse Foreman said the victims each wired $1,500 away.
"Fifty calls is very high," said Foreman. "Normally a current scam may get reported by 10 people in a week."
In a news release, police explain the Canada Revenue Agency fraud will typically look like this: residents receive a notification by phone that they owe back taxes as the result of an audit. The fraudster claims that the payment must be made immediately or the RCMP will attend their home and arrest them. The victim is further told that they must phone a certain telephone number without delay, asked for personal information and then told to wire money.
Foreman warned Parksville Qualicum Beach residents to be aware of the fraud noting the CRA will not call and ask for personal information or threaten you with arrest.
"This is happening all across B.C.," said Foreman. "It couldn't possibly be the same source, must be a team of people."
The RCMP, in consultation with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre are investigating these incidents. If you have been victimized and have sent money to these scam artists please call the Oceanside RCMP at 250-248-6111 to report the incident.