Delta Police Department (Canada) are cautioning the internet users of Canada to be alert of scam e-mails that are presently making rounds on the Internet and are attempting to trick them to gain their cash.
The most recent reported incident occurred in Delta on Dec. 21 (2010), when a native informed regarding a suspicious e-mail he got and supposed that it was fake. The fake e-mail alleged that it was sent from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Further, the e-mail informed taxpayers that the enclosed form is to be completely filled to get a refund worth $344.79. The enclosed form also asked to furnish personal and financial information of the taxpayers. The man who got this fake e-mail message denied to furnish personal information and immediately called police. Commenting on the matter, Department Spokesperson, Sgt. Sharlene Brooks, stated that, Canada Revenue Agency doesn't operate in such a manner. Sharlene further stated that the enclosed form in the mail did not have any picture of the Canadian flag or not even any logo; moreover, the fake e-mail included various typos, as reported by Delta-Optimist on December 22, 2010. Further, CRA website highlighted that, disturbingly, apart from the above-mentioned technique of scamming netizens, another prevalent scam refers the taxpayer to a website similar to the CRA's website, where the taxpayer is asked to verify his personal identity by furnishing personal information, as reported by Bclocalnews on December 23, 2010. Thus, to be protected from such kind of phishing scams, taxpayers are suggested to follow some general tips, which include: First and foremost, tax claimants should always remember that the CRA will never ask taxpayers to furnish their personal information via e-mail. Secondly, when in doubt regarding the legitimacy of an e-mail from CRA, taxpayers, must ask few questions from themselves, such as, am I expecting some refund money from the CRA?, Does this sound too good to be authentic? Is the e-mail sender asking for information I would not incorporate with my tax return? Is the e-mail sender asking for information I know the CRA is already aware of? Finding answers to such kind of questions may help taxpayers to be safeguarded against such phishing scams and moreover, save their hard earned money. |
