Income tax scammers ‘more convincing than ever’ in Mississauga, Brampton: Police

Fraudsters are using tactics that are “more convincing than ever” as they look to scam people out of their money during tax season, police warn Mississauga and Brampton residents.

Fraud investigators with Peel Regional Police urge people to be careful when receiving communications that ask for personal and financial information — at any time of year, but particularly during income tax season.

“Fraudsters have created sophisticated deliveries of scams where they pretend to be members of the Canada Revenue Agency in hopes of obtaining your personal information, money and/or identity,” police said in a news release on Friday. “This year’s attacks are more convincing than ever; the communications are more realistic and appear legitimate, using Government of Canada logos. The fraudsters hope you click on the link that directs you to their web page, where they steal your personal information, such as passwords and social insurance numbers.”

The warning from Peel police for residents of Mississauga and Brampton comes as Fraud Prevention Month kicks off across Canada. It’s an annual campaign that seeks to help people recognize, reject and report fraud.

“As it is also tax season, investigators are urging everyone to be vigilant of all frauds, specifically taxpayer-related scams,” police said.

Peel fraud investigators add the CRA will not ask for personal or financial information by email or ask people to click a link that will redirect them.

“Under no circumstances should you click these links and provide personal information,” police caution, adding people can check out the real CRA website for themselves.

Anyone with information on frauds is asked to call police at 905-453–2121, ext. 3335, or Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Police encourage people to visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or Peel Regional Police websites for more information and tips on how to avoid being victimized.

During last year’s Fraud Prevention Month, Peel police alerted people to various scams including those focused on cryptocurrency, Ponzi schemes and pyramid scams that try to lure people into illegal investment webs that promise quick return on financial investment.