CRA Scams – What to Watch For

With tax season in full swing, Canadians are reporting more scam attempts than ever — especially those pretending to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These scams are designed to create fear, urgency, and confusion, often tricking people into sharing personal information or making payments they don’t owe.

Knowing how to recognize CRA scams is one of the best ways to protect your identity and your finances. Here’s what to watch for.

Why CRA Scams Are on the Rise

Fraudsters know that people become more anxious around tax time. Because the CRA is a trusted authority, scammers impersonate it to:

• Steal personal information

• Access banking details

• Demand fake payments

• Commit identity theft

These scams are becoming more sophisticated each year, making awareness more important than ever.

Common Types of CRA Scams

1. Phone Scams

One of the most common scams involves aggressive phone calls claiming:

• You owe unpaid taxes

• You must pay immediately to avoid arrest

• Your SIN number has been compromised

• The caller is a CRA “officer”

These calls often use threats, intimidation, and urgency.

🔴 Red Flag: The CRA does not threaten arrest, deportation, or police involvement over the phone.

2. Text Message Scams

Scammers send text messages claiming:

• You have a refund waiting

• Your account needs verification

• You must click a link to receive payment

These links often lead to fake CRA websites.

🔴 Red Flag: The CRA never sends links by text message.

3. Email Scams

Scam emails may look extremely professional and include CRA logos, branding, and “secure message” disclaimers. They often:

• Ask you to confirm personal information

• Request login details or banking info

• Include suspicious attachments

• Provide links to fraudulent websites

🔴 Red Flag: The CRA will never email you asking for confidential information.

4. Online Account / MyCRA Scams

Some fraudsters create fake websites that look identical to the CRA login page. Their goal is to steal your username, password, or security codes.

🔴 Red Flag: Always check the URL — the real CRA website ends in “.gc.ca”.

5. Gift Card, Bitcoin, or Prepaid Card Payment Scams

No government agency in Canada demands payment in:

• iTunes cards

• Google Play cards

• Bitcoin

• Prepaid gift cards

If someone asks for these, it’s a scam — 100%.

How to Identify a CRA Scam: Key Red Flags

✔ 1. Pressure or Threats

Scammers use fear to force quick decisions.

✔ 2. Unusual Payment Methods

CRA only accepts legitimate methods like online banking, debit, or credit — never gift cards.

✔ 3. Requests for Personal Information

If they ask for SIN, bank numbers, or passwords, it’s fake.

✔ 4. Spelling & Grammar Mistakes

Many scam messages contain errors or awkward wording.

✔ 5. Unexpected Contact

If you didn’t ask CRA to call or contact you, be cautious.

What the CRA Will Do

The CRA may:

• Send you a letter by mail

• Leave a voicemail asking you to call them back

• Ask for documents during a review

• Contact you through your CRA MyAccount inbox

These are normal and safe.

What the CRA Will Never Do

The CRA will never:

• Demand immediate payment

• Threaten arrest or send the police

• Ask for credit card info by phone

• Send text messages with links

• Ask for SIN or banking info via email

• Ask for payment with gift cards or cryptocurrency

If you experience any of these, it’s a scam.

How to Protect Yourself From CRA Scams

1. Never click links from unknown messages

Always access CRA services directly through the official site.

2. Use multi-factor authentication on CRA MyAccount

3. Verify caller identity

Hang up and call CRA directly at their official number.

4. Report suspicious activity

You can report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

5. Educate family members

Seniors and newcomers are common targets.

Real Example: How We Helped a Client Avoid a Scam

A client called us after receiving a voicemail claiming:

“Your SIN has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Press 1 to speak with an officer.”

The caller pretended to be a CRA agent and demanded immediate payment.

We immediately confirmed it was a scam, instructed the client to block the number, and advised them to check their CRA account — which showed no issues at all.

This quick action prevented potential identity theft and financial loss.

Final Thoughts

CRA scams are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated, but understanding the warning signs can keep you safe. When in doubt, never provide personal information, never make immediate payments, and always verify with an official CRA representative.

If you're unsure about a letter, call, or message you received, our team at TikiTax is here to help you confirm whether it’s legitimate and guide you on what to do next.