The Bonnyville RCMP detachment is reminder the public to aware of phone scams that have been prevalent in the area. In one particular case, one Bonnyville resident was scammed out of ,000.

The RCMP explained someone called the victim pretending to be the CRA (Canadian Revenue Agency). The caller told the victim that $20,000 in back taxes were owned and if the victim did not pay the money immediately they would be arrested.

The caller had the victim purchase iTunes cards and give the codes to the caller over the phone. The fraudster was able to get $10,000 out of the victim before a family member of the victim questioned the purchases.

The victim purchased $20,000 in cards and lost about $10,000. They were able to work with Apple to refund $10,000 of the purchases.

Bonnyville RCMP remind residents that the CRA does not accept iTunes as repayment to a debt and that should be a red flag for anyone who receives a phone call of that nature.

The CRA also advises to take the agent’s identification number and extension. Then to hang up and call the CRA directly with that extension. Find more helpful tips on the CRA’s website.