Personal Information and Financial Information

text message: CRA spokesperson Randy Westerman said the organization doesn't ask for personal information by e-mail or text message, doesn't request payments through prepaid credit or gift cards, does not give taxpayer information to another person, unless that taxpayer authorizes it, send e-mails with a link, and ask taxpayers to divulge personal or financial information, or leave personal information in a voice message, according to CTV. Reports to police have indicated individuals received calls from people who claim to work for the CRA, the callers say the individual hasn't filed their taxes appropriately, and that they owe the government more money. Police said recently, a number of reports had come in over a telephone phishing scam that allegedly demanded an individual pay the Canada Revenue Agency with pre-purchased iTunes gift cards. Then, it alleged the target is threatened with an arrest warrant, jail time, and loss of immigration status and deportation. Police said retailers need to be aware of these scams, as the gift cards have been purchased at a number of retailers throughout Edmonton. At this point, the target is told to buy iTunes gift cards in a certain amount, and then provide the information on the back of the cards to the scammers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.