Skip to content

Watch for telephone scams in Maple Ridge

Ridge Meadows RCMP are warning people about telephone tricksters.

Ridge Meadows RCMP are warning people about telephone tricksters around trying to separate you from your money.

One scam involves someone calling on the telephone, saying they’re from Canada Revenue Agency and telling the person who answers, usually a senior, that he or she owes income taxes.

Usually, the supposed amount owing is in the thousands of dollars and residents are told they can pay with gift cards.

If they don’t, the scammer says, they could be arrested by police. For added authenticity, the call display will show the letters ‘CRA.’

Another scam, involves callers who say that a virus has infected the homeowner’s Windows computer. The callers try to learn the credit card number and personal ID numbers of the homeowners.

If seniors say they have a MacIntosh computer instead, a call usually follows from someone who says they’re from Apple Security.

Police say that family members should ensure that seniors, or anyone who takes such calls, not to respond.

• More information is available at Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: