The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is raising awareness about an escalating scam targeting the immigrant and refugee community. Victims have reported receiving telephone calls from persons claiming to be representatives of the IRB and being told they are under investigation and owe money. Recently, fraudulent calls are being made to appear more legitimate by using the publicly available names and contact information of IRB representatives.
The IRB will never ask you for money. If anyone receives a call asking for money to be paid to the IRB, they should hang up and immediately contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Victims of fraud should call their local police as soon as possible. The Board is continuing to work with law enforcement agencies to identify the perpetrators and bring an end to this scam.