York Regional Police are warning the public after con artists showed up at a victim’s Markham home to perpetrate a tax collection scam Tuesday.

According to police, the victim, who lives in the Steeles Ave. E. and Don Mills Rd. area, received a phone call from scammers claiming to be with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) who told her that she owed $58,000 in overdue taxes. The victim thought the call was suspicious and hung up.

Shortly after, the victim received another call from a number that showed up as York Regional Police on her caller ID, and was told that she would be arrested if she didn’t pay the overdue taxes immediately.

The victim hung up again, but a short time later, a black SUV showed up at her home and two people knocked on her door. The victim hid inside her home until they left, then called police.

Although police have seen increased reports of tax collection scams done over the phone by people claiming to be with CRA or various police services, this is the first report of ripoff artists actually showing up at someone’s residence, Const. Laura Nicolle said.

York police does not engage in tax collection or arrest people in relation to overdue taxes. Nicolle said anyone approached by someone claiming to be a police officer has the right to ask for a badge and proof of identity.

“As soon as someone is aggressive with you, that’s a big red flag,” she said.

Police are investigating the incident and are asking anyone who may have seen the black SUV or who has experienced a similar incident to contact the Major Fraud Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6612.

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