Okotoks RCMP are warning residents of a new telemarketing scam related to taxes

On March 22 an Okotoks man received a message from an individual claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency.

The message indicated that his bank accounts, credit cards and driver's license were under investigation.

The man then proceeded to call and inquire as to why he was under investigation and the individual told him that he owed $4691 and was required to pay $1450 immediately and the rest through monthly payments.

He was then told to use a money transfer outlet to make the initial payment. He took out the money to pay at the outlet but before he moved forward with paying he phoned the Canada Revenue Agency and they told him he was in good standing and that they wouldn't have taken the fraudster's approach to deal with him if he did have outstanding funds.

The man then reported the incident to the RCMP to make others aware to not fall for the same scheme as him.

Luckily the man didn't forward the funds the scammer was trying to get from him.

Okotoks RCMP are reminding everyone to be aware of the numerous fraud schemes that are out there when it comes to taxes and other cash grabs.

They're encouraging everyone to protect their personal and banking information with care and review some of the common frauds out there at the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre