Every Friday, CTV Consumer Reporter dips into the viewer mailbag to answer your questions. This week, Steele on Your Side takes a closer look at e-cigarettes and an email tax scam.
E-cigarette safety
Rob wrote CTV News because he quit smoking and is now using e-cigarettes. He wants to know what's in the liquid in the device and if it is safe.
Battery-operated e-cigarettes have a liquid cartridge typically filled with propylene glycol, a concentrated flavouring agent and a few other additives. Propylene glycol is a common chemical found in food products.
Doctors say there is some evidence that the mist can cause irritation in the airways, but many physicians say it’s definitely safer when compared to the chemicals in cigarette smoke.
However, because there hasn’t been a lot of research on the topic, Health Canada continues to advise Canadians not to use electronic cigarettes as they may pose health risks.
Email tax scam
A viewer named Ghyslaine wrote Steele on Your Side after getting a scam email from what appeared to be the Canada Revenue Agency.
The email said she was owed a tax refund of $386 and she just needed to click on a link to receive it.
The Canada Revenue Agency said the email is a phishing scam, and that the government agency never asks for personal information from a taxpayer via email.
When in doubt, ask yourself if you're expecting any additional money from the CRA or if the tax refund email sounds too good to be true.
For examples of these fraudulent emails you log onto the Canada Revenue Agency's website.
