Caller ID spoofing

Your receive a call and before picking it up, you check the caller ID. It seems to be from a government department, but is it? Caller ID is helpful, but can also be spoofed by fraudsters.

Means of contact

• Phone

Description of fraud
You receive a call that your caller ID identifies as the CRA, or another government agency. The caller advises you that there's a criminal case against you for tax evasion or fraud in the courts. The scammer will threaten further legal action or will request payment (extortion) in exchange for not pursuing the case.

Tactics used

• Automated call that creates a sense of urgency
• Provides a number to a hotline that you should call
• Threatens legal consequences if you do not respond
• Attempts to extort money to drop legal action