Residents in Windsor have been scammed out of more than $56,000 in January alone.
Windsor police are issuing a warning about the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam that's targeting local victims.
In one of several incidents reported to the fraud unit, police say someone posing as a CRA agent called and said there's a balance owing of $3,000. They say if the debt isn't paid by using a pre-loaded credit card or money gram immediately, they will be arrested.
After the victim paid the phony debt, the person called back and claimed they owed more money for previous tax filings. The victim complied with the subsequent transaction. Police say the scammer called a third time and advised the man's wife also owed money, he agreed to pay.
In the end, police say he was out $34,000 and found out it was a scam after calling the CRA directly.
Windsor police say there were four other reported cases involving the same type of scam with victims losing between $3,000 and $8,500. In some of these instances they were transferring money to the IRS in the U.S.
Police are reminding the public that the CRA would never contact you by email or never ask you to pay an outstanding debt with a pre-loaded gift card or money gram.