Canada Revenue Agency imposters target Manitobans in phone scam

As the fall federal election nears, many Manitobans are complaining about receiving strange phone calls from apparent Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) workers. But the RCMP says it's all a scam.

In one example, a caller claims to be with the CRA's criminal investigation unit.

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Listen to this recording that was left as a message on one Winnipegger's answering machine this week.

"Hi. This message is intended to Katrina. Katrina this is officer John Adams from criminal investigation of Canada revenue agency."

The message continues:

"I'm calling you about ongoing legal action against your name for doing a tax fraud and tax evasion with income tax department, so please call back."

The scam is "designed to solicit financial information from potential victims," RCMP said in a statement last month.

The scam has prompted police from across the country to issue warnings to Canadians. RCMP is encouraging people to be cautious and think critically before ever giving out confidential information over the phone.

"All Manitobans should be aware of this scam. If you are unsure about a suspicious call, do not engage with the caller and simply hang up," Sgt. Bert Paquet of the Manitoba RCMP said in a statement. 

"There are no government agencies, including the police, that collect money this way, and never with the threat of a warrant being issued for your arrest if you do not pay."