A man posing as an employee of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) almost scammed an Abbosford couple out of $1,500 last week and then argued with police about his legitimacy.
Const. Ian MacDonald said the shaken couple came to the front counter of the Abbotsford Police Department APD, saying they had just transferred the money to a man who claimed they owed back taxes. He threatened that they would be arrested if they didn’t pay.
MacDonald said that while the couple was at the APD, they received a call from the fraudster and it was answered by an officer, who identified himself to the caller.
Meanwhile, another officer worked to have the transaction cancelled.
The caller became belligerent, demanded that the money transfer go through, and wanted the badge numbers of the investigators involved.
“He was essentially acting fearless. He didn’t care (that police were involved),” MacDonald said.
The caller eventually hung up, and the officer was able to block the financial transaction.
MacDonald said it appears that the scammer was calling from overseas and, although police are continuing to investigate, these matters are difficult to solve.
Last month, the CRA issued a public notice warning of such scams, saying the caller usually says taxes are owed and payment must be made immediately or they could face charges, jail or deportation.
The CRA advised that anyone getting such a call should hang up and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll free at 1-888-495-8501.