The telephone scammers are out in full force. This past week I’ve had a text from what purports to be Sask Tel saying something about how my plan needs to be upgraded and I should “click here” to get it done. I’ve had one from what they say is Sask Power saying I’m getting a refund due to an overcharge, just “click here”. My wife had a text from so-called Sask Power and one from what it says is Canada Revenue Agency warning of an impending summons. Of course these are all bogus. Sask Tel and Sask Power will never send you a text. Neither will CRA. Never, ever go to a website that says you need to do something about your account or personal situation based on you having received a text or email. Same thing goes for anyone phoning you saying they are from the CRA. They are all scams. These are criminals. They can sound legit because they have a fine-tuned pitch that they make on the phone and they like to prey on seniors in particular. I had one of those calls. The guy said he was from the CRA. I played along for a bit, asking his name and number where I could call him back, where he was calling from, the name of his superior and how I could contact him or her. After a while the guy knew I was just playing him and that was that. Remember, if you are contacted by any method, phone call, text or email from someone saying they are with a government agency or even your bank, hang up and/or delete the text or email or else get whatever contact information they’ll give you, then hang up and call the real agency or your bank. Don’t get nervous and let these crooks scare you.
That’s Coffeetalk. I’m Vic Dubois.