With this year's tax season deadline approaching, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is reminding and warning Airdronians to keep their eyes open for scams.

Ahmad Almuqarqash, a spokesperson with the CRA talked about a relatively new type of scam they are receiving reports on.

"There's a recent scam text messaging going around that may contain your name and social insurance number, and the claim is from the CRA and may ask you for a payment with a suspicious link to click on."

When asked how they might already know a person's social security number, Almuqarqash stated the person who received the text link could have fallen for some other type of scam so they could obtain it.

"These scams are getting more sophisticated. It's essential to know what the CRA won't do when getting in touch with you."

According to Almuqarqash, they would never ask for an immediate payment through e-transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid cards or gift cards.

"Our team won't scare you with the threats of arrest, deportation, or calling the police."

The CRA also won't leave voicemails or ask for your personal and financial information over email or text.

Of course, text scams are not the only scams. The CRA has also received reports of people trying to impersonate them.

"You may get a call from somebody that pretends to be from the CRA. You may also get emails asking you for a payment or explaining you have a refund and you need to click a link. These are all scams"

Tax schemes have also been popping up that have targeted newcomers to Canada and seniors.

"Tax schemes go against Canadian tax laws, scammers will promise to reduce your taxes or give you big tax cuts.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

If for some reason you do fall victim to a scam, the first thing you should do is get in touch with the local RCMP.

"Call your financial institution and call us at the CRA, you can ask us to put enhanced security measures on your account. Also, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre."

The deadline for filing your taxes is April 30 unless you or your partner are self-employed, then it's June 17.

To see a variety of tax tips for this tax year, click HERE.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM

DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts click here.

Related Stories