Tax season is fast approaching as the month of March begins, but that could also mean possible scams.
Today (March 1), Prince George RCMP is warning the public of criminals that may attempt to steal your hard-earned money with fraud reports typically increasing this time of year by ensuring tax documents are safe and secure.
Mounties explain, on almost a daily basis, new and creative schemes are introduced as criminals try to reach out to people posing as various persons, whether it be by phone, email, social media or even texting with unknown numbers.
However, the message from Community Policing Coordinator Linda Parker is simple.
“Don’t engage with the anonymous caller; don’t follow the link in an email; don’t respond to the text message,” she said in a news release.
“Always contact the parent company yourself to verify the information is correct.”
RCMP are also offering tips via the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre, who’ve compiled a list of ways to avoid any and all schemes.
These include the following:
- Don’t be intimidated by emotional pleas that play on your emotions
- Always verify that the organization you are dealing with is legitimate before taking action
- Do your research by verifying charities with the Canada Revenue Agency
- Verify any calls with your credit card company by calling the phone number on the back of your card
- Don’t give out personal information
- Protect your computer by having anti-virus software installed and up-to-date
- Be careful who you share images with
- Protect your online accounts by using strong passwords
Police also note to stay calm if you are a victim of fraud and to follow the steps below:
- Gather all the information about the fraud, including documents, receipts and copies of emails or text messages
- Contact your financial institutions and report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money
- Place flags on your accounts and change all of your passwords
- Report the fraud to both credit bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion)
- Report the incident to your local police and get a file number for future reference
- Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or through the Fraud reporting System
For more information on avoiding and protecting yourself from possible fraud, you’re encouraged to visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website.
