Scams, Fraudsters and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a priority for many families and businesses. It has also been headline news around the world as we try to understand the virus and curb its impact. While many families and businesses have seen a reduction of income due to the pandemic, fraudsters and scam artists have taken the opportunity to expand their scope at the expense of unsuspecting Canadians. In fact, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, between March 6 and May 1, 2020, there has been 766 Canadian reports of COVID-19 fraud, 188 victims and $1.2 million lost from this activity.

In early May, police in the Central Okanagan issued a warning to residents that a new scam has hit the region. Kelowna RCMP indicated that they have received numerous complaints lately about a text message scam involving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), one of a myriad of income supports offered by the federal government in response to the pandemic¹. According to police, a text message is sent to a phone indicating that the recipient has received a CERB deposit, and the message includes a link or attachment. Police warn that by clicking on the link or attachment, the victim may allow malware to be installed on their device, or they could be taken to a website where they’ll be asked to divulge personal information. Either option can lead to identity theft. If you receive this text message, advice from police is to not click on any links or attachments.

In addition to the above, as per the RCMP^2, examples of recent COVID-19 frauds include:

• Private companies offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale;
• Door-to-door solicitors offering fake decontamination services;
• Fraudsters posing as police and imposing on-the-spot fines to consumers wearing masks claiming that wearing a mask in public goes against a full-face veil law;
• The urging of investments in hot new stocks related to the virus;
• The sending of emails, texts or online campaigns that capitalize on the public’s fears about COVID-19;
• Fraudulent online ads offering cleaning products, hand sanitizers and other high demand items.

Unfortunately, scams are not new to Canada as fraudsters have, for years, tried to increase wealth – often illegally – at the expense of others. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is often used as a tool to carry out such scams. Consider the following scenario sourced by the CRA:

Amy is a young professional beginning her career after her recent graduation. One day at work, she receives a call from a number that she doesn’t recognize. The individual on the line identifies himself as a CRA employee, and claims that Amy has an outstanding debt. He explains that confirmation of Amy’s personal information, including her birthdate and bank account, is required to sort out the debt with a re-payment plan.

Amy does not recall owing the CRA money. What’s more, she does not remember providing the CRA with her work number. When she voices these concerns, the requester becomes agitated, and warns Amy that there will be consequences if she does not cooperate. Although she is apprehensive, she has never personally dealt with the CRA and assumes the request must be normal. She reluctantly agrees to provide the information.

Many Canadians, including seniors, have received similar telephone phishing calls. Those who are not aware of such scams often experience fear and anxiety which, in some cases, has lead to identity and/or financial theft. Taxpayers should be vigilant when they receive, either by telephone, email, mail or text, fraudulent communications that claim to be from the CRA. Such communications are often seeking personal information such as a social insurance number, credit card number, bank account or passport number, and the communications often involve threatening or coercive language designed to scare individuals into paying a fictitious CRA debt in a timely way.

What to expect from the CRA

To reduce the chance of falling prey to this type of fraud, taxpayers should know what to expect when the CRA contacts them.

Protect yourself from fraud

Regardless of the type of fraud, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has provided the following tips to help Canadians protect themselves from scams and frauds:

Don’t be afraid to say no: Don’t be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics and watch out for urgent pleas that play on your emotions.

Do your research: Verify that the organization you’re dealing with is legitimate before you take action. Watch out for fake or deceptive ads or spoofed emails.

Don’t give out personal information: Beware of unsolicited calls where the caller asks you for personal information. If you didn’t initiate the call, you don’t know who you’re talking to.

Beware of upfront fees: Many scams request you to pay fees in advance of receiving goods, services or a prize. Know that there are no prize fees or prize taxes in Canada – if you won it, it’s free.

Protect your computer: Watch out for urgent-looking messages that pop up while you’re online. Don’t click on them or call the number they provide. Make sure you have anti-virus software installed and keep your operating system up to date.

What to do if scammed

If money or valuables have been lost, or personal information has been provided, contact local police. Also, report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm) even if no money or valuables have been lost or personal information given.

¹ See here for federal government support in response to COVID-19: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
² Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
³ Source: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

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