Cra mail scams

The scourge of email scams! Here are some common types of CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) mail scams:

  1. Phishing emails: Scammers send emails claiming to be from the CRA, asking you to provide personal or financial information, such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), credit card numbers, or passwords. Legitimate CRA emails will never ask for this information.
  2. Fake tax refund emails: Scammers send emails claiming you're eligible for a tax refund, but you need to provide personal information or pay a fee to receive it. The CRA will never contact you by email to request personal information or payment.
  3. Tax audit emails: Scammers send emails claiming you're being audited by the CRA and need to provide financial information or pay a fee to avoid penalties. The CRA will never contact you by email to request payment or information.
  4. Fake CRA phone calls: Scammers call you, claiming to be from the CRA, and ask for personal or financial information. Legitimate CRA representatives will never call you to request this information.
  5. Emails claiming you owe taxes: Scammers send emails claiming you owe taxes and need to pay immediately. The CRA will never send emails demanding payment without prior notification.

To protect yourself from these scams:

  1. Verify the CRA's identity: If you receive an email or phone call claiming to be from the CRA, hang up or delete the email. Legitimate CRA representatives will always identify themselves and provide their name, phone number, and a reference number.
  2. Don't respond or provide information: Never respond to suspicious emails or provide personal or financial information to unknown callers.
  3. Check the CRA's website: Visit the CRA's official website (www.cra.gc.ca) to verify information and report scams.
  4. Report scams: Report suspicious emails or phone calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or [email protected].
  5. Stay informed: Educate yourself on common scams and stay up-to-date with the latest CRA scams and warnings.

Remember, the CRA will never:

If you're unsure about a CRA-related email or phone call, it's always best to err on the side of caution and report it to the authorities.