NIPAWIN — Cpl. Josh Martin of the Nipawin RCMP said the town has more than 100 local victims from a new Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) fraud where the scammer applies for relief benefits using the victims’ personal information.
“I hope it can come to a positive resolution, but it’s going to be difficult,” Martin said.
“People’s information have been compromised and the fraudsters are using that personal information to apply for and receive the relief benefits into a fictitious bank account.”
He said that at this time they aren’t aware of how the scammers have gotten access to the information, but investigators do believe the various victims are “somewhat related.”
“We’re reaching out to assistance units locally as well as a newly created cybercrime unit that’s assisting local investigators here on the ground and working in partnerships with the neighbouring detachments as well, as it has been reported in neighbouring detachments.”
The previous CRA fraud, typically done over the phone or email, involved the scammer pretending to be a representative of the Canada Revenue Agency. The scammer claimed the victim owed the agency money and will have them arrested unless they immediately send them the funds.
Martin said this scam is different, as they’re not tricking the victim; they’re acting as the victim.
“It’s difficult for people to protect themselves, but they just have to monitor their banking, monitor their T4s, and take precautions to safeguard their information as much as possible.”
He said it’s uncertain at this time whether the victims will be held liable for the funds owed due to the scam.
“I don’t think it would be fair to have a blanket statement that they are [liable]. I think it’s happening on a national scale,” Martin said. “It’s a very complex investigation and time will tell.”
