'We know this is a scam': The Current's Anna Maria Tremonti calls Canada Revenue Agency fraudster

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With the 2017 tax deadline approaching, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning Canadians that phone scams from people pretending to be with the agency are on the rise.

These fraudulent callers will often tell unsuspecting people that they must pay them or face going to jail.

Last week, The Current's host Anna Maria Tremonti received a voicemail from a person claiming to be from the CRA.

So she returned the call, and recorded the exchange.

Here's a partial transcript of that phone call:

AMT: My name is Anna Maria Tremonti. I'm a journalist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and we've been
recording you because we know the CRA doesn't do this. So we know this is a scam.

CALLER: Is there any more information that you'd like from my end?

AMT: We know this is a scam.

CALLER: Oh, since you are claiming that this is a scam, since this call is being recorded, [we] would definitely go ahead and use this in the courthouse against you since you refuse to cooperate with the CRA to resolve this disputed case.

AMT: Well, I'm recording you as well.

CALLER: Well, I am aware about that. That is not a problem from our end. We are also recording this conversation from our end in case [we] find out that this was actually a prank call from your end. Canada Revenue will take legal action against you. Any more information that I can help you with today, Anna?

AMT: No, I will be giving this tape over. Thank you. Have a good day.

CALLER: (Dial tone)

This transcript has beenedited forclarityand length.

Listen to the full conversation at the top of this post.