As a Canadian taxpayer, it’s important to be vigilant against scammers who may pose as representatives of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These scammers use various methods to trick taxpayers into giving out their personal information or sending money. Therefore, it is crucial to verify that any communication from the CRA is legitimate.

Here are some important tips to help you verify that the CRA contacted you and not a scammer:

  1. Look out for warning signs: Scammers may try to contact you by phone, email, text message, or mail. Be wary of unsolicited communications from the CRA, especially if they ask for your personal or financial information, such as your social insurance number, credit card number, or bank account details.
  2. Verify the caller’s identity: If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the CRA, ask for their name, agent ID, and a callback number. You can then verify their identity by calling the CRA’s individual tax enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281 or the business enquiries line at 1-800-959-5525.
  3. Check your CRA My Account: The CRA’s online portal, My Account, provides a secure way to access your tax information and correspondence with the CRA. You can check your account regularly to see if the CRA has sent you any messages or notifications.
  4. Don’t click on links or download attachments: Scammers may send phishing emails that look like they are from the CRA. These emails may contain links or attachments that, if clicked on or downloaded, can infect your computer with malware or steal your personal information. Always be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
  5. Report any suspicious activity: If you suspect that you have been contacted by a scammer, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the CRA immediately. The CRA takes fraud and identity theft seriously and has measures in place to protect taxpayers.

In conclusion, it’s essential to be aware of the tactics scammers use to impersonate the CRA and trick taxpayers into giving out their personal information. By following these tips and being vigilant, you can protect yourself from fraud and ensure that any communication from the CRA is legitimate.