CRA scam alerts
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is regularly made aware of scams impersonating the CRA. Stay up-to-date with the CRA’s scam alert to help avoid scams that may target you.
If you suspect you may be a victim of a scam, visit the section What to do if you experience a CRA scam or fraud.
Latest scam alerts
Canada Carbon Rebate (formerly known as Climate action incentive payment) scam by text message
Scammers are sending text messages claiming to be from the CRA about the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR).
How to recognize it: Fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the CRA containing a link to claim the Canada Carbon Rebate. Some text messages include images taken from Government of Canada social media accounts to make their scam messages look more legitimate. The CRA has identified an uptick of these scams around the CCR’s quarterly payment dates (the 15th of April, July, October, and January).
What to do: Do not click on the link or reply to the text message.
The CRA will not use text messages or instant messages to start a conversation about your taxes, benefits, or My Account.
The CRA will not ask you by email or text message to click a link and provide personal or bank information to receive a benefit payment.
Here are the steps to take if you are a victim of a scam or fraud and believe your CRA account information has been compromised: What to do if you're a victim of a scam
Text message scams containing personal information
Scammers are sending text messages claiming to be from the CRA that may contain personal information.
How to recognize it: The fraudulent text message claims to be from the CRA and requests a payment or contains a link, as well as personal information such as a name, date of birth, or social insurance number.
What to do: Do not reply to the text or click the link in the text message or provide them with your personal or financial information.
The CRA will not ask you by text message or email for:
- personal information
- bank information
- payments by e-transfers or gift cards
The CRA will not use text messages or instant messages to start a conversation with you about your taxes, benefits, or My Account.
Here are the steps to take if you are a victim of a scam or fraud and believe your CRA account information has been compromised: What to do if you're a victim of a scam
Emergency or disaster benefit scams by text message or email
Scammers are sending text messages or emails to those impacted by emergencies or disasters.
How to recognize it: Fraudulent messages claiming to be from the CRA about emergency benefits and containing a link.
What to do: Do not click the link or reply to the message.
The CRA will not use text messages or instant messages to start a conversation about your taxes, benefits, or My Account.
The CRA will not ask you by email or text message to click a link and provide:
- personal information
- bank information
Employment and Social Development Canada has more information on help for individuals affected by hazardous weather and natural disasters.
Public Safety Canada has more for information on how to Get Prepared for emergencies, as well as the Government of Canada’s emergency response, support, and recovery measures.
Grocery Rebate scam by email or text message
Scammers are sending emails or text messages claiming to be from the CRA about the Grocery Rebate.
How to recognize it: The fraudulent email or text message claims to be from the CRA and contains a link.
What to do: Do not reply to the email or text or click the link.
The Grocery Rebate will be delivered to eligible individuals after enactment of the legislation.
The CRA will not ask you by text message or email for:
- personal information
- bank information
Here are the steps to take if you are a victim of a scam or fraud and believe your CRA account information has been compromised: What to do if you're a victim of a scam
Cryptocurrency scam by phone
Scammers targeting individuals by phone, requesting money be transferred via cryptocurrency to cancel an RCMP warrant for their arrest.
How to recognize it: Scammers claim to work for the CRA and contact taxpayers threatening them with an RCMP warrant for their arrest. The scammer then calls back, pretending to be the RCMP, and instructs the taxpayer to transfer money from their bank account to cancel the arrest warrant, promising to return the money once their name has been cleared. The scammer provides phone numbers and passwords to deposit money into a local coin machine or cryptocurrency terminal.
What to do: Do not provide the individual with personal information or financial information. In addition:
- Hang up if the caller requests money. The CRA does not accept payment by cryptocurrency.
- Verify the caller is from the CRA.
GST/HST tax refund/credit scam
Scammers are targeting individuals by text message or email, claiming that the CRA is sending them a GST/HST tax refund or credit, and are requesting personal information to proceed.
How to recognize it: The fraudulent text message or email claims to be from the CRA. Scammers ask individuals to reply or click on a link to complete an application form by an urgent deadline to receive their refund or credit.
What to do:
- Do not click any links, reply or send any personal or financial information.
The CRA will not ask you by text message or email for:
- personal information
- bank information
- payments by e-transfers or gift cards
The CRA will not use text messages or instant messages to start a conversation with you about your taxes, benefits, or My Account.
If you’re eligible, the additional one-time GST Credit payment will automatically be mailed or direct deposited.
Text message scam to access your CRA accounts
A text message scam impersonating the CRA to gain access to your CRA accounts.
How to recognize it: The scammers will send a message to your phone or tablet claiming to be from the CRA. They will state that there is an error with your account and it will need to be updated. They will ask you to text back “HELP”, after which they may ask for personal information.
What to do: Do not reply to the text or click the link in the text message or provide them with your personal or financial information.
The CRA will not use text messages or instant messages to start a conversation with you about your taxes, benefits, or My Account.
Text or instant message offering a refund
A text message scam impersonating the CRA to offer fake refunds to Canadians. This is known as phishing.
How to recognize it: Scammers will send a message from a fake number to your phone or tablet. They will claim to be the CRA and offer a refund, encouraging you to click on a link provided in their message.
They may ask you to provide:
- personal information such as your social insurance number, date of birth or your name
- online banking information to accept the refund by e-transfer
What to do: Do not reply to the text message or send them any personal information.
The CRA will not use text messages or instant messages to start a conversation with you about your refund.
Fraudulent tax returns - identity theft
Scammers acquire personal information (such as user ID and passwords), and file fake tax returns in your name. This is referred to as identity theft and targets all Canadians.
How to recognize it: You may notice:
- a change on your account
- an email notification saying your account has been modified
- a delay in receiving credits or refunds
- difficulty filing your tax return online
What to do: If you notice a change on your account has been made, and you did not make it, contact the CRA as soon as possible.
Extortion phone call demanding payment
Extortion phone calls from scammers demanding payment and claiming to be from the CRA.
How to recognize it: Scammers will call you from a fake number. They may use a local number or use numbers from local law enforcement agencies or governments.
They may ask you to confirm your social insurance number and then demand you pay them by Bitcoin or by gift cards.
What to do: The CRA will not use aggressive language or demand immediate payment over the phone.
The CRA does not accept:
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin)
- Prepaid credit cards
- Gift card
Email message offering a refund
An email message scam impersonating the CRA to offer fake refunds to Canadians. This is known as phishing.
How to recognize it: Scammers will send you an email message from a fake CRA email address, offering a refund. The email will state that the CRA owes you a refund, and ask you to click on the link provided. If you click on the link, you will be asked to provide:
- personal information such as your social insurance number, date of birth or your name
- online banking information to accept the refund by e-transfer
What to do: Do not reply to the email message or send them any personal information.
The CRA will not ask you by email for:
- personal information
- bank information
- payments by e-transfers or gift cards
Examples of fraudulent communications
In an effort to prevent you from falling prey to these cons, the CRA has some examples of scams targeting taxpayers:
If you suspect that you may be the victim of a scam or fraud or have been tricked into giving personal or financial information, contact your local police service.
For details: Scam prevention and the CRA
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