Don't Get Duped by Fake CRA Scammers

Don't Get Duped by fake CRA Scammers. It is tax time in Canada and the deadline to file taxes is April 30th. It can be a stressful time for many as they rush to get their numbers crunched in order to file their annual income taxes. Scammers are out in full force, trying to fool you to give up your personal information, or to send them money so be careful and mindful.

The number one thing is that the Canada Revenue Agency, does not ever contact you directly. If you are getting text messages, phone calls, or automated voice phone calls from unknown numbers claiming that they are CRA or representing CRA, you can just ignore them. Or better yet, you can do what I do and call them out on it, and report their number to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
The CRA will only contact you via secured mail with security envelopes, or via secured electronic message to your account on the Government of Canada website if you are registered.

Scammers will try to text your mobile phone and send you links to pay money.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/canada-revenue-agency-warns-of-text-message-phishing-scam-1.2296220

Scammers will call you by phone and pretend to be CRA and that you owe them money.
https://globalnews.ca/news/4128682/im-sorry-scammer-claiming-to-be-from-canada-revenue-agency-confronted-by-winnipeg-man

http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/west-vancouver-police-cra-tax-scams

Scammers will try to prey on your emotions and will try to convince you to send money. Don't do it.

DO NOT PANIC, and DO NOT SEND MONEY, and DO NOT GIVE PERSONAL INFO! Everything they are saying is fake and fraudulent. I received a message this year saying that I owe money to CRA and have a warrant for my arrest. Total bullshit. I already filed my taxes and got a return.

The government is fully aware of this and you can read their post here.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/security/protect-yourself-against-fraud.html

http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/reportincident-signalerincident/index-eng.htm