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OPP are warning the public about an iTunes gift card scam targeting residents in the Grenville County area. Police said the scam has siphoned $85,041 from the public this year alone, and that one person has lost almost $5,000.

The fraudsters commonly impersonate the Canada Revenue Agency and request payment of “back taxes” through iTunes gift cards, police said.

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OPP said victims will receive a call or text message claiming they owe “back taxes” as the result of a tax audit. The fraudsters will then request they pay the taxes immediately to avoid a fine. Victims are then instructed to activate an iTunes gift card, and hand over the codes in order to pay the fees requested by the fraudsters.

Many victims are told they will be deported if the “back taxes” are not paid right away and that their “outstanding warrant” could be avoided if they pay the fees quickly.

This year, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received 46 complaints about this particular scam.

To protect yourself against this scam, OPP advises that residents don’t pay for any service or product with an iTunes gift card and ask themselves why the CRA would want payment through such a method.

If approached about “back taxes,” police ask the public to call the CRA to confirm any taxes they may owe before providing personal or banking information.

The public is asked to call the Grenville County OPP Communication Centre at 1-888-310-1122, the Kemptville Detachment at 613-258-3441 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online if they have any information.