Businesses: Protect yourself from scams and fraud — know what to expect from the CRA

April 14, 2022

Ottawa, Ontario

Canada Revenue Agency

There are a variety of scams in Canada – with new ones invented daily. To identify legitimate communications from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and protect yourself from scammers, be aware and know what to expect when the CRA contacts you.

What to expect from the CRA

The CRA uses various methods to communicate with individuals and businesses, including phone, email, mail and text message (in specific instances). Using these methods, the CRA may reach out to:

It is also important to know what the CRA will not do. The CRA will not: 

For a full list of how to identify legitimate communications from the CRA, visit the CRA’s Slam the scam page.

If the CRA calls you

If you receive a phone call from the CRA, it is important to make sure the caller is a CRA employee and not a scammer. A legitimate CRA employee will identify themselves when they contact you. The employee will give you their name and a phone number. Make sure the caller is a CRA employee before you give any information over the phone. This will protect you from giving money or personal information to a scammer. 

If you’re suspicious, this is how you can make sure the caller is from the CRA.

Protect your CRA accounts

There are many steps you can take to protect your personal and business accounts:

For more information, visit Security of CRA My Account and My Business Account

What to do if you suspect you are a victim of a scam or fraud 

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam or fraud:

If you have had your account compromised and are unable to comply with your tax obligations, you may be eligible for taxpayer relief from any resulting penalties or interest. For more information about relief from penalties or interest and the related forms and publications, see Cancel or waive penalties or interest.

Contacts

Media Relations
Canada Revenue Agency
613-948-8366
cra-arc.media@cra-arc.gc.ca

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