TSE Chartered Professional Accountants
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Have you received a call from the CRA?
How to tell if it was the CRA or a scam.
Why would CRA be contacting you?
If you have recently filed a tax return with the CRA they may contact you by phone to discuss your tax and benefit situation.
However, you should be aware of scammers pretending to be CRA employees.
One reason that CRA may contact you is if they are reviewing your income tax and benefit return. In this case you will receive one of the following:
- a letter in the mail from CRA detailing what is being reviewed and your next steps.
- If you are registered for email notifications you will receive an email informing you that your letter is available in My Account.
How you can make sure the caller is from CRA:
1. Tell the caller you would like to first verify their identity.
2. Ask for, and make a note of their:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Office Location
3. Check that the call you received was legitimate by contacting the CRA at the number that you look up yourself on the CRA website before you provide any information to the caller.
4. Call the CRA employee back to discuss the reason for the call.
RED FLAGS
Some actions that suggest the person contacting you is a scammer include (but are not limited to):
- The inability to provide you with proof of working for the CRA, such as name and office location.
- The caller is pressuring you to act now.
- The caller is asking you to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or some other unusual manner.
- The caller is asking for information you would not include on your tax return or that is not related to the money you owe to CRA, such as a credit card number.
- The caller is recommending that you apply for benefits. Canadians can apply for benefits directly on Government of Canada websites or by phone. Do not provide information to callers offering to apply for benefits on your behalf.
For more useful tips and helpful information, visit canada.ca/taxes-fraud-prevention.