Residents warned about tax fraudsters posing as cops

A York Regional Police car is seen in this undated photo.

Toronto-area police are warning residents to be on alert after suspected fraudsters posing as police officers showed up on a would-be victim’s doorstep earlier this week.

York Regional Police say they responded to an incident at a residence in Markham, Ont., on Jan. 26, when a resident reported that she received a phone call, claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency, and telling her she owed $58,000 in overdue taxes.

The resident told police she was suspicious, and hung up the phone. She received a second call a short while later, from a phone number that appeared as York Regional Police on her call display, investigators say.

The resident was then allegedly told she would be arrested if she didn’t pay them immediately.

The woman hung up the phone again, but police say a short time later, two suspects driving a black SUV arrived at her residence.

The victim did not answer the door and the suspects eventually left, investigators say.

York Regional Police warn that they have seen an increase in reports of tax-related scams, often conducted by phone or email. In some cases, the suspects use software to alter their phone numbers and make it appear like they are calling from a police phone line.

They are reminding citizens to be cautious and confirm any suspicious calls or emails they receive before providing any information.

If the officer can’t produce identification or you are suspicious, contact police directly.