Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Whether by phishing, smishing, vishing or manipulation through social engineering, scams that pose as CRA are everywhere.
Means of contact
- Text
- Internet
- Phone
Nobody wants to receive a call from the CRA, and scammers know it. They prey on people's fear and anxiety around back taxes, owing money or being audited. Scammers will request personal information such as SIN numbers, bank account numbers, or even your passport numbers.
Look out for calls posing as CRA or Service Canada advising you that your SIN number has been compromised, you've committed a financial crime, there's an outstanding legal case against you, you owe back taxes, or have yet to pay your balance.
Tactics used
- Creates a sense of urgency
- Demands immediate payment
- Offers service for fees
- Asks you for your SIN number
It's important to keep in mind that the CRA will not reach out by phone. CRA, Service Canada, and Law enforcement do not ask for private information, nor do they threaten to jail, harm, or extort funds in trade for doing or not doing something.
If they need to contact you, they will do so through mail or by email, notifying you that there is a message in your account, and that you will need to sign in to read it.
Do not click on a link or respond to a phone call. If you are unsure, go to the CRA website or contact them directly.