Terrace RCMP are reporting that personal information was stolen in a clever email scam that looked like it came from the Canada Revenue Agency.
A woman received an email from what she thought was the Canada Revenue Agency citing that she was to receive a tax refund in the amount of X dollars.
This money would be deposited directly into her bank account upon completion of an online form that asked for date of birth and social insurance number.
"The woman stated that she typically does receive a refund in the amount that was indicated in the email at this time of year. It made the whole thing seem more credible. Never send personal information by email or phone, especially if the original contact was not made by you," says Const. Angela Rabut, community policing/media relations Terrace RCMP.
If you have been a victim of identity theft:
• Start a log of dates, person(s) that you spoke with and exactly what they said.
• Contact the fraud departments of each of the two major credit bureaus, request that a "Fraud Alert" be placed in your files and at the same time order copies of your credit reports. Equifax: (866) 828-5961 Trans Union: (800) 663-9980.
• Contact the fraud department of creditors for any accounts that have been opened or tampered with fraudulently. This may include credit card companies, phone companies, banks and other lenders.
• File a report with your local Police or the Police in the community where the identity theft took place.
• Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). The CAFC is currently central sourcing all pertinent information on Identity Theft to identity trends and patterns, information is also used to assist law enforcement agencies in possible investigations.
If you have information about this crime, contact the Terrace RCMP at 250-638-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-800-222-TIPS, online at www.terracecrimestoppers.ca or by texting TERRACE plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).
If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.