St. Thomas, ON – Thursday October 31st 2024
The St. Thomas Police Service would like to alert the public to a new Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam circulating in our community. Fraudsters are targeting citizens through text messages and WhatsApp messages, falsely claiming eligibility for a fictitious “Canada Rent Mortgage Rebate Program” and promising a tax refund. This scam is designed to steal personal information and funds from unsuspecting victims.
In these fraudulent messages, individuals are informed that they qualify for a refund or rebate and are encouraged to click on a link or provide personal details to claim their “refund.” Scammers often use official-looking logos and wording to mimic legitimate CRA communications, making the scam appear authentic.
Key Warning Signs:
- 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
Scammers continuously adapt their tactics to take advantage of new trends, and this Canada Rent Mortgage Rebate scam is one of several recent schemes. 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.
Together, we can stay informed and protect our community from these harmful scams.
