Scams and fraud - CRA - Verify it's the CRA calling
On this page
- What to expect when the CRA calls
- Confirm a phone number is from the CRA
- If you’re still unsure the CRA contacted you
What to expect when the CRA calls
Always be cautious when you receive a phone call from an unknown caller. When the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) calls you, the employee will identify themselves by giving you their:
- Name
- Phone number to call back
Never call the phone number that was given to you unless you have verified it yourself with the CRA.
If the caller left a voicemail message asking you to call back, you may be able to verify if it’s a CRA phone number.
Steps to take when you are speaking with a caller
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Do not share your information
Since you do not know if it's really the CRA calling you, do not provide any personal information to the caller.
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Get the caller's information
Do not trust the phone number displayed on your caller ID.
Ask for the caller's:
- Name
- Office name or location
- Phone number to call back
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Tell the caller you will verify their information
Let the caller know you will verify their information before calling them back.
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End the call
Once you’ve ended the call, you can confirm it's really a CRA number by using the verify phone number tool.
Confirm a phone number is from the CRA
Do not verify the phone number during the call or rely on the number displayed on your caller ID.
End the call and verify the callback number given using the tool below.
Verify a CRA phone number
Enter "1" and the 10 digit phone number you were given to call back.
You can also verify a phone number by referring to the CRA's list of phone numbers.
If you’re still unsure the CRA contacted you
There are times when the CRA will need to contact you. They may need to ask for additional or missing information, to discuss an amount you owe, or notify about an upcoming review.
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