Not sure if it's the CRA calling? Here's how to find out!
CRA SOURCE ARTICLE
Scammers posing as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) continue their attempts to trick you into handing over money or personal information. Know what to expect when the CRA contacts you so you can tell the difference between legitimate communications from the CRA, and scams.
How to make sure the caller is a CRA employee and not a scammer
A legitimate CRA employee will identify themself when they contact you, providing you with their name and phone number to call them back, if needed.
If you’re suspicious, you can make sure the caller is a CRA employee before providing any information over the phone.
Here’s how:
Tell the caller you would like to first verify their identity.
Request and make a note of their:
name
phone number
office location
End the call. Then check that the information provided during the call was legitimate by contacting the CRA. Please do this before you give any information to the caller.
In the provinces:
Individuals:
1-800-959-8281
In the territories:
Individuals:
1-866-426-1527
Businesses:
1-800-959-5525
Businesses:
1-866-841-1876
Once you complete these three steps, you can call the CRA employee back to discuss the reason for their call.
Note that our individual tax, benefits, and business enquiries lines offer an automated callback service. When wait times reach a certain threshold, you have the option for a callback, rather than waiting on hold. If you opt for a callback, we will give you a randomized four-digit confirmation number. This number will be repeated back to you by the call centre agent at the time of the callback. This is to provide you with assurance that the call comes from a legitimate CRA employee.
When to be suspicious
Red flags that suggest a caller is a scammer include, but are not limited to, the following:
the caller does not give you proof of working for the CRA, for example, their name and office location
the caller pressures you to act now, uses aggressive language, or issues threats of arrest or sending law enforcement
the caller asks you to pay with prepaid credit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or some other unusual form of payment
the caller asks for information you would not enter on your return or that is not related to money you owe the CRA, for example, a credit card number
the caller recommends that you apply for benefits
do not provide information to callers offering to apply for benefits on your behalf
you can apply for benefits directly on Government of Canada websites or by phone
Scammers are also trying to trick people into clicking links by sending fraudulent emails and text messages. Examples of CRA-related scams are on the Scam prevention at the CRA page, and you can also visit our Scams and fraud page for more tips and helpful information.
We may review your return
One reason we may contact you is if we are reviewing your income tax and benefit return. This could include reviewing your GST/HST, T4, or T5 information. You may receive a letter or a phone call telling you that the CRA is reviewing your return. If your correspondence preference is set to electronic mail, we will send you an email telling you that your letter is available in My Account.
In most cases when we are reviewing a return, it is a routine check. Replying and sending all of the information requested as soon as possible will help us review your file quickly and easily.
It’s also important that you call the number printed in your letter for either of the following situations:
you can’t get the documents we’re asking for
you need more time to reply
By calling, we can give you more time to respond if you need it. We can also help you if you have any questions. If you don’t reply, we may disallow a claim of yours and you could have a balance owing.
If you own a small business or are self-employed, we may call you or send you a letter to offer free tax help through our Liaison Officer service. We will only use email to contact you if you provide your email address and consent to the CRA.
Reporting a potential scam
You should report a scam if you suspect either of the following:
you have been the victim of fraud
a scammer has tricked you into giving personal or financial information
To report a scam, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre page, follow the instructions on our Scams and fraud page, or call 1-888-495-8501. If you think you may be the victim of fraud or you unknowingly provided personal or financial information, contact all of the following:
your local police service
your financial institution
credit reporting agencies
You should contact the CRA if you:
think your CRA account has been compromised
find changes you did not request to your banking, address, business, or personal information
find a benefit application made for you without your knowledge
want to disable online access to the CRA’s sign-in services
want to enable online access to CRA sign-in services after it has been disabled
You can learn more about filing your taxes by visiting the links above or by scheduling a free consultation with us.