RCMP: iTunes tax scam

Photo: awe.org.au

RCMP in the North Okanagan have issued yet another warning about a scam in which a caller claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and demands payment.

The scam has a new twist, with the caller demanding payment in iTunes cards.

“Several local people have been contacted by scammers pretending to work for the CRA,” said Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy, RCMP spokesperson.

Noseworthy said that in this latest rendition of the scam, the victim is told that they owe thousands of dollars to the tax department and threatened with jail if the money isn't provided. They are instructed to buy iTunes cards, activate them and provide the codes to the fraudsters.

“You cannot pay your taxes in iTunes cards,” said Noseworthy. “If you are contacted by someone claiming to be with Canada Revenue Agency, hang up and contact the CRA yourself directly.

Never give anyone money or cards in a situation like this. It is a scam.”

Noseworthy said if someone has received a phone call but did not fall for the scam, they should hang up the phone. There is no need to contact your local police department, she said.

Meanwhile, Kamloops RCMP are reporting a similar iTunes fraud in that area only the scammers are targeting new immigrants and threatening them with deportation.