Police: Area being targeted by scammers

The bank investigator scam consists of suspect(s) contacting potential victims (mostly seniors) by phone advising that they require their assistance to catch a bank employee that “has been stealing money.”

The victim is instructed to go to their bank and make a cash withdrawal. The victim is told not to tell the bank teller what they are doing because the teller may be involved.

The victim is instructed to place the cash in an envelope and meet the ‘investigator’ in a nearby parking lot where the cash is turned over. If successful the ‘investigator’ attempts a further request for funds to ensure the investigation is a success.

In another scam, residents in our community are being contacted by persons identifying themselves as employees of the Canada Revenue Agency. The callers are threatening people that they will be arrested if they do not send money.

Police remind residents to not respond to these inquiries until they can verify the identity of the caller.

There are occasions when the CRA will contact people about their taxes. That is why it is so important to verify who you are speaking with before you provide any information.

Do not provide any credit card information, social insurance card information until this verification has taken place. The following numbers will put you in touch with the CRA:

For Business Cases: 1.800.959.5525

For Individual Cases: 1.800.959.8281

The CRA website is a great source of information about the scams and information is available at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/scrty/frdprvntn/menu-eng.html

If you suspect you are being pressured by a scammer contact the police at 705.324.5252 or the Canadian Anti – Fraud Centre toll free at 1.888.495.8501.