During this busy tax season, CRA scams (Canada Revenue Agency) are unfortunately common, and scammers have gotten more sophisticated over the years. But with a few solid practices, you can protect yourself effectively.
Here’s how to spot a scam and protect yourself from CRA fraud attempts:
Know How the CRA Contacts You
The CRA may contact you by:
- Phone
- Email (but never with personal or financial information)
- My Account portal
They will NOT:
- Demand immediate payment via e-transfer, crypto, prepaid gift cards, or Bitcoin
- Threaten arrest, deportation, or police involvement
- Use aggressive or abusive language
- Ask for personal or financial info by email or text
CRA Will:
- Send official mail to your address
- Ask you to log into My Account to view messages
- Use a 1-800 number (you can ask for a callback and verify it on the CRA website)
Use These Smart Practices
Protect Your Info:
- Never give your SIN, banking info, or full birthdate unless you’re 100% sure you’re dealing with the CRA
- If you're unsure, hang up and call CRA directly at:
- 1-800-959-8281 (individuals)
- 1-800-959-5525 (businesses)
Verify Communications:
- Always check for messages through your CRA "My Account":
- CRA may email you to tell you to check your online account — but not include personal details in the email itself.
Block Scam Calls:
- Use call-blocking features on your phone
- Report suspicious calls to:
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/
- Or call them: 1-888-495-8501
Use CRA’s Security Features
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your CRA account
- Sign up for email notifications for account changes
- Regularly monitor your online CRA account for unusual activity
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
- Contact CRA immediately: 1-800-959-8281
- Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- If you gave out financial info, notify your bank and credit bureau (Equifax & TransUnion) to watch for identity theft
In Summary
To protect yourself from CRA scams in Canada:
- Don’t trust urgent or threatening messages
- Never share personal info over email/text
- Verify all CRA contacts using official channels
- Use My Account and CRA’s security settings
- Report all scams to authorities
If you’ve received a sketchy message and want a second opinion, please do not hesitate to reach our to our office for verification. We can help spot the red flags.