A prominent Squamish local is warning others about a fraudulent phone call he received.
Avtar Gidda, secretary of the Squamish Sikh Temple, says he was left a threatening voicemail on Thursday on his home phone from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
The caller said that there were outstanding warrants out for Gidda’s arrest and he was instructed to call 780-900-1184. A quick Google search of the number shows it is linked to other such calls across Canada, but Gidda worries that the threats could scare some in the community and convince others less familiar with Canadian laws to provide money or information to the scammers.
Gidda said he has heard of others in Squamish getting the same call.
“Don’t worry about these calls,” he said. “These are hoaxes and crank calls.”
He is speaking out to raise awareness, he said.
The CRA not leave voicemails with threats or personal information.
The federal government agency warns on its website about these types of calls and recommends victims report deceptive telemarketing to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
If you suspect you may be the victim of fraud or have been tricked into giving personal or financial information, contact the Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100.
Gidda reported the call to the police, he said.
The Squamish RCMP did not immediately respond to a request for information from The Chief.
This story will be updated when more information is available.
