Be scam smart quiz

The correct answer is: Yes, this email is a scam

The Government of Canada will not ask you to update your personal or financial information by clicking on a link in a text or email.

Learn more: Scams and fraud – Government of Canada (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: True

While the Government of Canada may contact you about amounts owing, legitimate government messages will not use aggressive language or threaten you with arrest or police action.

If you are unsure whether a message is legitimate, verify it through official Government of Canada channels before taking any action.

Learn more: Scams and fraud – Government of Canada (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: True

When an official CRA agent calls you, they will provide you with their name and a call back number. If you are suspicious, you can tell them you want to verify their identity. Ask for their name, phone number, and office location. End the call and use the Verify a CRA phone number tool on Canada.ca, or call the CRA using a number found on Canada.ca to verify the agent’s identity and call back number.

Learn more: Verify it’s the CRA calling (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: Yes, this text message is a scam

The CRA will not send texts or instant messages to start a conversation with you about your taxes, benefits, or your CRA account under any circumstance.

The only time the CRA uses text messages is to send multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes when you sign into your CRA account.

Learn more: Why the CRA may contact you (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: a) Misinformation is false information shared by mistake, while disinformation is false information shared on purpose

Misinformation is false information that someone shares without realizing it’s wrong. Disinformation is false information that is deliberately created or shared to mislead people.

Both misinformation and disinformation can happen across various platforms, including online, in the news, or in conversations.

Learn more: Online disinformation – Government of Canada (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answers are:

• a) It uses emotional language to provoke a reaction such as fear, urgency or outrage
• b) It uses anonymous sources
• d) The post encourages you to share it widely without verifying its accuracy

Emotional language, anonymous sources and asking you to share immediately are common tactics used to spread disinformation. They are designed to make people react before checking whether the information is true.

Learn more: Online disinformation – Government of Canada (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: False

Neither Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or the Canada Border Services Agency will threaten to arrest or deport you because you have outstanding fees.

Learn more: Fraud targeting newcomers (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: a) Before sharing the post, go to Canada.ca to verify the information

Official sources, like Canada.ca, are the most reliable way to confirm information related to government programs. Sharing the post without verifying its authenticity can spread false information and mislead others.

Learn more: Canada.ca (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: e) Options a, b and c

Scams pose a threat to individuals living in Canada regardless of age, gender, socio-economic status, or ethnicity.

Learn more: Canadian Anti-fraud Centre (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: d) Options a and c

Official Government of Canada websites are available in English and French and usually begin with canada.ca or end with .gc.ca. The "dot" before .ca or .gc.ca is important. Fake websites can include extra words or use hyphens instead such as -gc-ca to look legitimate.

Learn more: Recognize a scam (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: True

The CBSA does not initiate requests by asking for your SIN, credit card number, or financial information by telephone, text, or email.

Learn more: Protect yourself against fraud (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: True

If you owe money, have not filed your taxes, or an audit is required, the CRA may contact you by phone, automated message, letter, or through secure electronic communications in your CRA account. You can check your CRA account regularly for any new messages.

However, the CRA will not use aggressive language, make threats, or demand payment through e-transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards from retailers.

Learn more: Why the CRA may contact you (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: d) All of the above

People intentionally spread false information to create confusion or division and further their own financial, political or social goals often at the expense of other people, organizations or governments.

Learn more: Online disinformation – Government of Canada (opens in new tab or window)

The correct answer is: False

Scammers can change the caller ID to make it appear as though they are calling or texting from a legitimate source, such as a government department, law enforcement agency, financial institution, or service provider.

Also, they can fake email addresses to make messages look like they are from legitimate organizations.

Learn more: Spoofing: What it is and how to protect yourself (opens in new tab or window)