CRA phone scam prompts warning from Toronto police

Police are warning GTA residents of a telephone scam in which the caller tells the victim he or she owes thousands to the Canada Revenue Agency and could be arrested or charged if they don't pay up.

Toronto Police say there are have been several reported incidents across the regionin which callers identify themselves as police officers, CRA agents or federal agents and tell residents that they owe money.

Residents who receive such calls are told they must pay the amount or risk being arrested or charged. The caller also demands that the resident hand over personal information.

"The CRA will never request information by telephone," Toronto Police say in a news release.

Police are advising anyone who receives such a call to write down the number that appears on the call display or any numbers that the caller provides.

Do not reveal any personal information, including PINs or other access codes, police say.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of this scam is being asked to call Toronto Police at 416-808-2222.