Police are warning local residents to be on the lookout for email fraud.

The tax scam is a popular one this time of year.

If you get one claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency saying you owe ‘back taxes’ call the police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

It could also claim that you’re actually owed money.

It will lead you to the con artist’s website where it will ask for your personal information.

A follow up phone call will ask you to send money through a transfer service or with debit, credit or gift cards.

They will try to create a false sense of urgency.

Take your time to check any claims that seem odd or unusual and do not hand out your information via email to someone you don’t know or trust.

Here are some tips to weed out scammers:

  • Do not act immediately.
  • Verify what you are being told is the truth.
  • Ask yourself why the CRA would be asking for personal information over the phone or by e-mail that they likely already have on file for you as a taxpayer.
  • Contact the CRA to confirm that you owe “back taxes” or are entitled to a refund before providing any personal or banking information.

For more information, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website.