CRA Tax Alert: Telephone Scams

04 Apr CRA Tax Alert: Telephone Scams

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning Canadian tax payers of an increase in telephone scams where the caller is impersonating a CRA representative. These callers are requesting personal and banking information that can result in identity and financial theft.

A clear indication of a scammer will be if they request unusual or suspicious information from you. This information includes your credit card information – including prepaid credit cards, and your passport, health card, or driver’s license details. In addition, the CRA will never leave personal information in a voice mail message or request you to do the same.

To verify if you are dealing with a legitimate CRA representative, request their name and identification number – some collections official may come off as forceful and aggressive, but all valid representatives will provide their identification number.

You can then call the CRA back at their general enquires line and explain the situation. Once you provide them with the identification number and information received they will be able to authenticate the original call. Due to the high increase in fraudulent calls occurring, it is recommended that you never release the information being requested and following up with the general enquires line at the CRA at once. You can also talk with your accountant and they can provide additional guidance on your specific situation.

A special note: If you are ever the victim of one of these calls, you should report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at once.

This publication is produced by Andrews & Co. as an information service to clients and friends of the firm, and is not intended to substitute for competent professional advice. No action should be initiated without consulting your professional advisors