The St. Thomas Police Service is alerting residents to a new Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam circulating locally.
Fraudsters are contacting individuals through text and WhatsApp, promoting a false “Canada Rent Mortgage Rebate Program” to trick people into providing personal details for a fake tax refund.
Scammers use official-looking logos and language to make the message appear authentic, urging recipients to click on links or share personal information.
Key Warning Signs Include:
- Messages received from unknown phone numbers via text or WhatsApp claiming a tax refund.
- Links included in the message directing individuals to enter personal or banking information.
- Urgent or threatening language intended to pressure recipients into acting quickly.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself:
- Do Not Engage – Avoid clicking on any links, replying to the message, or sharing personal information.
- Verify with the CRA – Contact the CRA directly through official channels if you receive a suspicious message.
- Report the Scam – Contact the St. Thomas Police Service non-emergency line at 519-631-1224 or report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- Never give anyone access to your CRA account.
The St. Thomas Police Service urges all community members to remain vigilant and to share this information with family and friends, especially those who may be more vulnerable to fraud.
They stress that together, we can stay informed and protect our community from these harmful scams.
Written by: myFM News
