It seems a lot of people in the region have found out in recent weeks that they allegedly owe Canada Revenue Agency a lot of money.

People are receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be an officer from Criminal Investigation and that an arrest warrant will be issued if they don't pay up their overdue taxes.

Kevin Lloyd is CRA Communication Manager for Manitoba. He makes it clear that if Canada Revenue Agency is going to be asking for money from individuals or businesses, they will first contact them through writing. And if they have an E-Service account, they will be notified in that way.

"We wouldn't make cold calls to people demanding money," assures Lloyd.

If you do receive such a phone call, Lloyd says there are a few things you should do. First of all, he says if the phone call appears suspicious, ask for a number to call back. Lloyd says chances are, you won't be given one.

Also, if you are the target, Lloyd asks you to bring this to the attention of RCMP or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

"They are keeping track of these things," assures Lloyd. "Unfortunately it is a wide spread issue and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is working on identifying where these calls are coming from, which we understand are outside of Canada."

Lloyd notes it is also a good idea to contact Canada Revenue Agency. He says there are toll free numbers to call, which are different depending on whether it is an individual or business that was targeted.

According to Lloyd, this scam is being felt across the country and he says seniors and new Canadians seem to be the hardest hit.

"We really ask people to be careful of what they do," suggests Lloyd. "Ask yourselves, 'does this seem like a reasonable request?' We are Canadians, there are processes in place that protect all of us and nobody should be bullied into paying any kinds of money, especially cash amounts."