CRA Scams
Know how to recognize a scam
There are many fraud types, including new ones invented daily.
Taxpayers should be vigilant when they receive, either by telephone, mail, text message or email, a fraudulent communication that claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requesting personal information such as a social insurance number, credit card number, bank account number, or passport number.
These scams may insist that this personal information is needed so that the taxpayer can receive a refund or a benefit payment. Cases of fraudulent communication could also involve threatening or coercive language to scare individuals into paying fictitious debt to the CRA. Other communications urge taxpayers to visit a fake CRA website where the taxpayer is then asked to verify their identity by entering personal information. These are scams and taxpayers should never respond to these fraudulent communications or click on any of the links provided.
To identify legitimate communications from the CRA, be aware of these guidelines and know what to expect when the CRA contacts you.
Protect yourself against from learn more
Report a scam
By phone Call the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre to report a scam
Telephone number1-888-495-8501
Day Hours
Monday to Friday 10 am to 4:45pm (Eastern Time) Saturday and Sunday CLOSED
There are many fraud types, including new ones invented daily.
Taxpayers should be vigilant when they receive, either by telephone, mail, text message or email, a fraudulent communication that claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requesting personal information such as a social insurance number, credit card number, bank account number, or passport number.
These scams may insist that this personal information is needed so that the taxpayer can receive a refund or a benefit payment. Cases of fraudulent communication could also involve threatening or coercive language to scare individuals into paying fictitious debt to the CRA. Other communications urge taxpayers to visit a fake CRA website where the taxpayer is then asked to verify their identity by entering personal information. These are scams and taxpayers should never respond to these fraudulent communications or click on any of the links provided.
To identify legitimate communications from the CRA, be aware of these guidelines and know what to expect when the CRA contacts you.
Protect yourself against from learn more
Report a scam
By phone Call the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre to report a scam
Telephone number1-888-495-8501
Day Hours
Monday to Friday 10 am to 4:45pm (Eastern Time) Saturday and Sunday CLOSED
