How do I...
If the crime you are reporting is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If the crime you are reporting is not an emergency, you can call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411 or attend our Front Counter at 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC.
New Westminster – The New Westminster Police Department has seen an increase in reports of scammers who are requesting the virtual currency Bitcoin. Scammers will call and identify themselves as employees of the Canada Revenue Agency. The scammers are able to manipulate their phone numbers, so the call display can look as if it’s coming from the CRA or a local police department. They tell victims that they have overdue taxes and that if they don’t pay immediately they’ll be arrested.
“The Canada Revenue Agency does not want Bitcoin,” stated Sergeant Jeff Scott. “Furthermore, we would like to remind everyone, that the CRA does not contact people by telephone and the CRA never arrests anyone for outstanding balances owed.”
The best course of action to take to prevent others from falling victim to the CRA scam is to talk to elderly friends and family about the scam and how it works. The New Westminster Police Department are advising the public that any calls or emails asking for payment in Bitcoin should be treated as a scam.
Please call New Westminster Police if you have been victimized by the scam. If you would like to learn more about the Canada Revenue Agency scam you can visit their website: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/scrty/frdprvntn/menu-eng.html
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