What you need to know
Tax season can be a very stressful time for many Canadians. As we approach the season it is important to be aware of the types of scams currently going on. Scammers like to prey on those experiencing high anxiety and stress, if that is you, then you should also approach this tax season on high alert.
There has been a dramatic increase in scale and sophistication of Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam attempts. In this week’s blog I want to go over some ways that you can detect when and if a scammer is trying to extract money and obtain unauthorized access to your personal data and financial information. “Criminals are impersonating the CRA via phone, email, text, messaging apps, and even by mail. Scammers have been able to leverage the increasing prevalence of technology in our daily lives by creating more convincing scams, making it important to stay vigilant on how to spot and avoid CRA scams.” – CIRA’s guide to spotting CRA scams. Para 2, written by Eric Brynaert.
How to Identify CRA Phone Scams
If you receive a phone call from someone that claims to be an employee from CRA and is requesting your personal information (SIN, bank account number, passport number) make sure to confirm it is CRA by checking the phone number.
Provinces:
Individuals: 1-800-959-8281
Businesses: 1-800-959-5525
Territories:
Individuals: 1-866-426-1527
Businesses: 1-866-841-1876
Scammers use emotional manipulation to gather as much information as they can from their victims. They achieve this by threatening that such actions they are asking you to do are time sensitive and/or they try to intimidate you by using legal actions or arrest as a threat tactic for you to do what they want. It’s important to know that CRA would never threaten you in any way. Always verify the caller before providing any personal information.
Legitimate CRA employees may call you regarding your income tax and benefit return but, when they do this they always provide you with their name and phone number. If you are unsure in any way, protect yourself by hanging up and calling CRA at a verified number or log into your account online to confirm any information provided during the call.
How to identify CRA email and text scams
“The CRA will not ask for personal information by email or send you an unsolicited email asking you to click on a link. This includes links to a refund, a form where you fill in information, or to a portal.” – CIRA’s guide to spotting CRA scams. Para 8, written by Eric Brynaert.
Additionally, if you receive a message from CRA demanding immediate payment via e-transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid credit cards, or gift cards, know that CRA does not demand this information. On the other hand, you may receive a legitimate email from CRA informing you of a new message or document available to you (My Account, My Business Account, or Represent a client). This is normally CRA following up to a phone call you had prior to receiving this information via email.
“The CRA might send you a link for a webpage, form, or publication that you asked for during a call or meeting with a CRA agent. The CRA might also email you about tax credits and benefits for individuals, or online services such as My account, but remember these emails will not contain links or solicit personal information. “ – CIRA’s guide to spotting CRA scams. Para 10-11, written by Eric Brynaert.
How to Identify CRA Mail Scams
Unfortunately, scammers today aren’t only sticking to electronic devices to try to get your personal information. For all the old schoolers out there that don’t trust anything online, please be aware that scammers are also sending out letters in the mail. The easiest way to tell if a letter you’ve received in the mail is a scam is by paying attention to what it is asking you to do.
“As with other types of CRA scams, criminals are looking to scare Canadians into paying fake fines through untraceable payment methods. The CRA will never ask to set up a meeting in a public place to take payment. And again, they will never demand payment by Interac e-transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid credit cards, or gift cards.” – CIRA’s guide to spotting CRA scams. Para 13, written by Eric Brynaert.
The CRA still may send you letters in the mail regarding a notice of assessment, requests for financial information or asking for a payment that is due. Make sure that the letter is from CRA by checking that CRA has your most recent contact information on file. As always, if you’re unsure if it is a legitimate letter from CRA, take the proper precautions and login to your portal or call CRA directly.
Protecting your personal information is always the first line in defense against scammers. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of the person asking for the information, always double check the source before proceeding. Better safe than sorry.
Have a great weekend,
Tracey and Paige
Article written by Paige Marshall.
Reviewed and approved by Tracey Marshall.
Source:
Phone numbers provided in this article are directly from “CIRA’s guide to spotting CRA scams”. Written by Eric Brynaert.
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