Scammers demanding iTunes gift cards

Tax scammers in Durham Region are now demanding a new form of payment from their potential victims: iTunes gift cards.

According to Durham police, a 66-year-old Oshawa woman was called by someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency on April 5. During that call, the person on the phone claimed the woman owed back taxes and could face 11 years in prison if she didn’t pay right away, and was directed to buy Apple iTunes gift cards and call back with the serial numbers. After the victim complied, she was told more money was needed.

In all, the victim was defrauded of more than $12,000.

On April 12, staff at a Bowmanville Wal-Mart called police after seeing a confused elderly female purchase a large number of iTunes gift cards. An officer in the store found her and was able to stop her before she passed on the serial numbers. She was able to get a refund for the gift cards, valued at $2,500.

Police are advising residents that money taken by scammers is difficult to recover, and that prevention and caution are the best defence. Police are also asking for retailers who see suspicious transactions to call them immediately, especially if a vulnerable person is involved.