The RCMP and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are warning again about the “taxpayer scam” as Canadians continue to be victimized almost daily.

Fraudsters impersonating CRA employees target their victims and demand either personal information, or payment for phony fees or back taxes.

“To date in 2016, almost $2 million has been reported lost by 590 individuals,” says RCMP assistant commissioner Todd Shean, who leads the force’s Federal Policing Special Services, in a statement published on Friday. “And if only 5% of victims report their losses, we can assume that the actual total amount lost to this scam is much, much higher.”

The agencies call on taxpayers to take steps to ensure their personal information remains confidential and to avoid being duped.

“The CRA will never request prepaid cards, ask for information about your passport, health card or driver’s licence, or leave personal information on your answering machine,” adds Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue.

“Before taking any action, taxpayers should always verify their tax account by checking My Account via the secure CRA portal or by contacting the CRA at 1 800 959-8281. This information, including examples of real scam telephone calls and e-mails, can be easily found on the CRA website,” she says.

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