Provincial police are once again reminding residents that the Canada Revenue Agency scam remains active.
Last week, a Huron East resident fell victim to this scam for $3,500.
A woman in her 70s received a call from someone claiming to work for the CRA. The scammer threatened the victim that he would arrest her by the end of the day if she failed to pay her back taxes of $6,986. The victim asked to speak to a supervisor and another scammer got on the line and informed her she had to pay up.
Later, she received a call from someone claiming to work with the OPP stating that his job would be in jeopardy if he failed to arrest her.
Fearing arrest, the victim followed the scammer's instructions and purchased $3,500 in iTunes gift cards. She then contacted the scammers and provided the PIN numbers for the gift cards.
After paying approximately half of the back taxes, the victim started receiving more calls seeking payment, however, she did not return the calls after she was alerted by a family member that it was a scam.
Residents throughout the region continue to receive this type of scam call. If you get a call from someone that claims to work for the CRA and they make threats to arrest you, deport you or put a lien on your property for outstanding taxes, police strongly suggest you do not respond to their threats and demands and seek advice from family members.