Beware: Tax Refund Scams

March is Fraud Prevention month and with tax season here, scammers are keeping busy trying to claim victims via phone and email scams.

During tax season, it is common to see fraudulent phone calls and email from scammers. They disguise themselves as coming from legitimate government agencies like the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Some of these emails claim that the recipient has received a refund because the CRA has recalculated their tax return. Others claim that the the recipient owes the CRA money. I've personally received a few of these fraudulent emails asking me to claim my tax refund.

These fraudulent emails contain links that are disguised as legitimate, but are used for phishing purposes. Some of these links may be used to spread malware, spyware or viruses. You can check the video below to see some of these sample emails that I've received.

Others have received fraudulent phones calls saying that the recipient owes the CRA monies that needs to be paid immediately. Their main goal is to create a sense of urgency and put the potential victim on the spot and feed off their fear.

"The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) warns all taxpayers to beware of telephone calls or emails that claim to be from the CRA but are not. These are phishing and other fraudulent scams that could result in identity and financial theft." - Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Below is an image of a fraudulent email that I received in February 2015. As you will notice, it is disguised as coming from the Canada Revenue Agency, however on closer look it is quite easy to tell that this particular email message is fraudulent.

How can you tell if this is a fraudulent email message? Well, one clue is the email address. Notice the email address "Customer...@imm.apple.com". Clearly, it is not well disguised. The second clue was the "CLICK HERE" hyperlink towards the end of the email. When I hovered my mouse over the link, it showed some weird-looking website address something like "http://fert56thyuj78p9l.is-a-financialadvisor.com/uebimiau/theme/index.php"

I've received several other fraudulent emails messages like the one below. This particular email message was quite easy to detect as fraudulent, but others may be very well disguised. Therefore, it's important to stay vigilant and be prepared. There are various other types and format of fraudulent email messages. You can check the CRA website to see Samples of Fraudulent Email Messages.

Similarly, you may receive fraudulent phone calls from scammers claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency. These fraudulent people calling may claim that you owe the CRA back taxes or ask you to claim a refund. They try to create a sense of urgency so as to cause fear and panic in order for potential victims to act on impulse. In doing so, they get you to divulge sensitive and personal information which is used for identity or financial theft.

There are many things you can do to ensure that you don't fall victim to scams discussed above. Watch the informational video below that I created and be prepared, and protect yourself and family:

There are many other types of scams and you can check the Little Black Book of Scams to learn more and ensure that you don't fall victim to these scams. Also, you check this Guide on Shopping Safely Online. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Also, feel free to share your experiences and tips on tax refund and tax owing scams.

How to Claim Your Money? DRAM Class Action Settlement

The DRAM Class Action Lawsuit Settlement has been reached. Have you claimed your refund yet? I submitted my DRAM claim and found the process fairly simple and fast.

Well, if you’re wondering what this is about, let me explain. DRAM stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. It’s a type of memory chip that is used in computers and many electronic products.

Based on the lawsuit filed, Canadian were paying more for DRAM and devices that contained DRAM between April 1, 1999 and June 30, 2002. It was alleged that DRAM manufacturers agreed to price fix and thereby Canadians overpaid for the above mentioned products.

There were several “representative plaintiffs” who sued the DRAM manufacturers on behalf of “class members” (i.e. eligible Canadians). Some of the DRAM manufacturers pleaded guilty to the charges of DRAM price fixing. A settlement of over $80 million (includes interest earned) was reached with eleven DRAM manufacturers who pleaded guilty.

Canadians who currently live in Canada or lived in Canada between April 1, 1999 and June 30, 2002; and who purchased DRAM or electronic products containing DRAM are eligible to claim a refund. Also, if you currently live in the US or lived in the US during the above mentioned period, but purchased DRAM or electronic products containing DRAM, you will be eligible to claim a refund. This applies to individuals and companies who purchased the said products for personal, commercial, and manufacturing purposes.

There are different types of claims: (1) End Consumer, (2) Electronic Manufacturing Services, and (3) Other DRAM Purchaser claims. Depending in which category you fall, you will accordingly receive a set percentage of net settlement funds. You can check the FAQ Section (see Informational Links below) for more details. In case you have questions regarding the type of DRAM claim, you can call the Claims Administrator (NPT RicePoint) at 1-866-855-5586.

All eligible Canadians will receive a minimum of $20 refund on their claim. You do not require a receipt (for proof of purchase) if you submit a Simplified Claim (i.e. claiming no more than $20). For DRAM claims above $20, you will need to submit a Standard Claim and receipts/documentation may be required as proof of purchase. You can use the End Consumer Claim Calculator (see Informational Links below) to determine approximately how much you are eligible to claim from the DRAM settlement.

There is no cost involved in filing a DRAM claim. However, there is a deadline for claim submission which is June 23, 2015. Once you submit your claim, you will receive a confirmation with a claim ID. The Claims Administrator expects to start processing DRAM claim cheques in the Fall of 2015.

As mentioned earlier, I have already submitted my DRAM claim and found the process quite simple. It took me less than 5 minutes to file my claim online. Of course, if you are claiming more than $20, your claim may take longer to submit. You can watch the video below for more information:

Informational Links:

• Canadian DRAM Class Action Settlement FAQs
• DRAM Class Action Settlement Claim Form
• End Consumer Claim Calculator

Canadian National Flag 50th Anniversary

Happy Birthday to the Canadian National Flag. The official National Flag of Canada was inaugurated on February 15, 1965 which means that this year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Maple Leaf flag.

Before confederation, July 1, 1867, there were several Canadian flags that were used, many of which were not official flags of Canada. February 15th is National Flag of Canada Day.

Some of the flags that were used in Canada’s colonial history were the fleur-de-lis (1647) and St. George’s Cross (1577). In the ninetieth century the British Union Jack became the official national flag of Canada. Though even after confederation, the Canadian red ensign flag was used. You can see the pictures of the Canadian flags below.

The initial design of the Canadian flag which found Prime Minister Lester Pearson’s favour had three maple leafs with two blue stripes which became known as the Pearson Pennant. In fact, establishing a distinct Canadian flag was part of Mr. Pearson’s Liberal party platform which he promised in 1961.

Public Domain Canadian Flag Images

The current red and white flag with the red maple leaf was suggested by George Stanley and was approved by Canadian parliament in 1964. Reaching a consensus was not without bitter debate and protest, but this new flag design became officially effective on February 15, 1965.

I’ve seen many of the earlier version and proposals of the Canadian national flag, and to be honest, my favourite choice is definitely the current flag. I moved to Canada in early 1998 and now call Canada my home. To me, when I see the Canadian national flag, I think unity, peace and freedom. I am proud to be Canadian. Happy National Flag of Canada Day!

Image Credits: The Canadian flags used on this blog are public domain images. The intro picture was taken by blog author at Port Credit, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Open a Tangerine Bank Account and Receive a Bonus

Tangerine Bank is one of the few banks in Canada that offers a no-fee Chequing Account. Tangerine is not a regular bank because they don’t have physical branches and that’s one of the ways they can offer the customer more in terms of savings like no-fees and higher interest rates on Savings accounts.

As a customer of Tangerine bank, you can conduct banking via Café locations, contact centres, mobile banking, ABMs, and of course online banking.

I’ve been a Tangerine bank customer for over a decade now and have enjoyed the benefits of banking with them. The bank launched in Canada, in April 1997, under the name ING DIRECT. In November 2012, Bank of Nova Scotia (also known as Scotiabank) acquired ING Bank of Canada which resulted in the name change to Tangerine. One of the benefits of this acquisition is that Tangerine customers now have free access to all Scotiabank ABMs.

They have many retail banking products that the top Canadian banks offer like Savings and Chequing accounts, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), as well as other investment products like RSPs, RIFs, TFSAs, and Tangerine Investment Funds. Additionally, the bank also offers borrowing options like the Tangerine Mortgage, Home Equity Line of Credit, and RSP Loan.

As indicated earlier, I’ve been banking with Tangerine for more than 10 years and have nothing, but positive things to say based on my experience banking with Tangerine. That’s why I would recommend Tangerine to any Canadian who wants to experience a positive banking experience.

In fact, Tangerine will start off by giving you a bonus if you become a new Tangerine customer when you open a bank account with them with a minimum of $100 deposit. Tangerine will give you a $50 bonus (generally it is $25). In order to avail of this bonus, you will have to use my Orange Key 14707720S1. However, this is a limited time offer which ends on December 31, 2014.

To open a Tangerine bank account visit: tangerine.ca.

You can watch the video below from the Peter Aceto, President & CEO of Tangerine.

Disclaimer: If anyone opens a bank account with Tangerine (with a minimum of $100 deposit) using my Orange Key, I will also receive a $50 bonus. You have to be a first-time Tangerine customer to be eligible.

Image Credit: Image in this blog post belongs to author.

The 'Tangerine' trademarks are owned by The Bank of Nova Scotia and used under licence. Forward Banking is a registered trademark of Tangerine Bank.Orange Key is a registered trademark of Tangerine.

Remembrance Day 2014

Remembrance Day is special day reserved for observing and remembering members of the armed forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. Poppy Day, as it is also known as, is observed in Canada and across the Commonwealth of Nations member states in the month of November.

The red poppy that you see in this picture has become a symbol of Remembrance Day. Canadians remember and honor our veterans by wearing a poppy; attending Remembrance Day events in their local communities; and other ways in schools and business places.

“In Flanders Fields” is one of the most famous war poems written by Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poem was written by him in May 1915 after the funeral of one of his fellow soldier who dies in battle. The poem is often recited during Remembrance day observance events.

This Remembrance Day is especially takes on a new meaning given the events that unfolded in Parliament Hill in Ottawa on October 22, 2014 where Corporal Nathan Cirillo was shot down while standing guard at the National War Memorial. And a couple of days earlier, Warrant Officer, Patrice Vincent was run over by a vehicle driven by Martin Couture-Rouleau in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

You may be new to Canada and may not fully comprehend the importance of remembering our veterans. But, we are able to live in a free and beautiful Canada because of the sacrifices made by man and women who gave their lives for this freedom. So do your part in remembering and honoring our veterans this Remembrance Day…lest we forget!

If you want to learn more about Remembrance Day, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website or click on the banner below, where you will find a wealth of information and learning resources.

Image Credit: Intro Remembrance Day image created by author

Beware of the Silent Killer

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is often called the “Silent Killer” because it is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas which can be lethal if it is above a certain concentration. Many Canadians are hospitalized every year due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning and in some cases it’s takes lives. Most Canadians who lost their lives to CO poisoning, did so in their sleep.

Carbon Monoxide is produced by combustion and is present in the exhaust of internal combustion engines, for example, vehicles, as well as from portable or back-up generators. CO is also a by-product of incomplete combustion of fuels like natural gas, wood, coal, propane, and other bio-fuels.

Levels of Carbon Monoxide indoors can quickly rise to toxic levels, enough to become lethal. Some of the most common symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and confusion. If CO levels are high, symptoms can occur within 20 minutes.

In the province of Ontario, a new regulation has come into effect on October 15, 2014 making it mandatory to install CO alarms for homes and buildings with no more than units of residential occupancy. And buildings with more than six units of residential occupancy are mandated to comply by October 15, 2015. You can learn more about the new regulations and compliance schedule at the Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services.

Carbon Monoxide alarms are designed to monitor and detect airborne concentration levels of CO and when the concentration reaches harmful levels, they sound an alarm. Essentially, CO alarm help save lives by making the silent killer, audible. There are different types of CO alarms like battery-operated, plug-ins, and hard-wired. The cost depends on the type of the CO alarms and can range between $25 to $100. Combo alarms are also available that include both, CO and smoke detection. Make sure that CO/Smoke alarms are CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved.

CO alarms should be installed near sleeping areas. Unlike, smoke alarms that should be installed on the ceiling, CO alarms can be installed at any level as Carbon Monoxide mixes with the air. However, it’s important to note that if you buy a combo alarm, it should be installed near or on the ceiling. CO and smoke alarms sound different, so make sure to test the unit so you are familiar with the different sounds and ensure it is working.

If your CO alarm goes off, everyone in the home should immediately move outdoors and call 911. Do not open windows to let air in because when emergency services arrive at your home, they will not be able to effectively investigate the CO emergency.

You can watch this informational video below to learn more about the dangers of Carbon Monoxide:

Be CO aware, spread the word, and save lives!

Image Credits: Images on this web page created by the author, unless otherwise mentioned or linked to.

Daylight Saving Time Ends on November 2, 2014

Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 2, 2014. So don’t forget to turn your clocks back ONE hour. Yaay, we get one extra hour of sleep on Saturday night!

Not all countries follow this practice of daylight savings which was first proposed by entomologist, George Vernon Hudson who hails from New Zealand.

The idea behind DST, which starts in the Spring, was to benefit from more sunlight during the summer months. Basically, we end up with much more sunlight, thereby having extended daylight during the evenings during the summer months.

As far as I know, initially, the main benefit from proponents of DST was to conserve energy. When I first came to Canada, I also heard that DST was to help the farmers give them an extra hour of day light. However, I found out that it one of the myths of DST. In fact, I’ve heard many farmers rally against it.

Many believe there is no benefit to Daylight Saving Time. In fact, some studies that were conducted, concluded that there no savings in energy resulted from DST. Also, some studies state that DST has adverse effects on human health. Whatever the case maybe, the fact remains that we currently practice Daylight Saving Time.

Here is what I plan to do to make the best of the one extra hour:

• Of course, take the opportunity to catch up on my sleep;
• Catch up on some of the things on my To-Do list;
• Check the batteries in the smoke alarm detectors;
• Take time to call my mom overseas before I got to bed on Saturday night;
• Finally, remember to turn all my clocks back one hour on Saturday night.

By the way, experts recommend that we try as much to stick with our normal sleep and wake times. Ultimately, our bodies will automatically adjust to the time change in a few days. Some people adjust to it much better than others. Whatever you do, try and make the best of it and enjoy the extra hour.

In 2015, Daylight Savings Time will start on March 8, 2015 at which time we will move our clocks one hour forward again. Yikes...and the cycle goes on!

Image Credit: Image created by author.