Do you Suspect CRA Fraud?

by Jeffery A. Keill, CFP, CIM, FMA, FCSI, CEA

As Canadians we are known to say “Sorry”, but the truth is that not everyone in the world is so apologetic as us double--double Moose lovers. Unfortunately, these scummy-scammers are increasingly effective and often target people during high activity periods like tax season or near instalment deadlines. Being aware of these scams is crucial for protecting your financial and personal information.

CRA instalment scams typically occur when fraudsters contact individuals claiming to be from the CRA, demanding payment for supposed overdue taxes or missed instalment payments. These scams can come via phone calls, emails, text messages, or even mailed letters. The scammers often use threatening language, demanding immediate payment and threaten legal action or arrest if you refuse.

Here are some common tactics used by scammers:

• Threats: Scammers may say you owe money and must pay immediately to avoid sever consequences, such as jail time or frozen bank accounts.

• Demands: They might ask you to pay using unusual methods, such as prepaid credit cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

• Phishing for Information: Emails or texts may contain links to fake CRA websites, tricking you into sharing your Social  Insurance Number (SIN), banking details, or other personal information.

• Caller ID Spoofing: Some fraudsters can make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate CRA phone number.

Tips to Identify a Legitimate CRA Contact

• The CRA will never threaten you with immediate arrest or demand payment through prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, or gift cards.

• Official CRA communications are typically sent through your secure CRA My Account portal or by mail.

• If you receive  a suspicious call, hang up and contact CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281 to verify if the communication was legitimate.

• Check for proper spelling and grammar in emails and letters - scam messages often contain errors or phrases not common to Canadians.

• Never click on suspicious links from emails claiming to be from the CRA.

If you suspect a Scam, here is what we suggest:

• Do not provide any personal information by phone or email.

• Report the incident to the Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

• If you’ve already provided information or made a payment, contact your financial institution and the CRA immediately.

By staying alert to these devilish thieves by verifying any suspicious communication and knowing the signs of fraud, you can keep your personal and financial information safe. Let’s work together to spread awareness and help protect our communities from these scams. Let’s say “Sorry, not today Mr. Fraudster”. Share this blog with friends and family, and if you are uncertain about a tax request, please contact our Advisory Team.

Last update September 4, 2025