Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from CRA Scammers in Ontario

It’s important to be aware of the various scams that can target you and your loved ones. One type of scam that is particularly prevalent in Canada is the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam, which involves criminals pretending to be CRA employees and attempting to trick people into divulging sensitive information or paying fake taxes. They may claim to be from the CRA and threaten legal action or arrest if you don’t comply with their demands. They may also try to trick you into revealing personal information or sending them money by pretending to be from a government agency or other trustworthy organization. If you receive a call, email, or letter from someone claiming to be from the CRA, it’s important to be cautious and protect yourself and your loved ones from these scammers.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Know the CRA’s methods of communication:

The CRA generally communicates with taxpayers through mail or through secure portals on their website. They do not typically initiate contact by phone or email. If you receive a call or email claiming to be from the CRA, be suspicious and verify the person’s identity before providing any information.

Don’t give out personal information:

The CRA will never ask you to provide personal information, such as your social insurance number, credit card number, or bank account information, over the phone or through email. If someone asks for this information, it is likely a scam.

Be aware of threats and intimidation:

Scammers may try to intimidate or scare you into providing information or paying fake taxes. They may threaten to arrest you or seize your assets if you don’t comply. Remember that the CRA does not threaten or use intimidation tactics. If you feel threatened, hang up the phone or delete the email.

Cryptocurrency scam by phone:

Scammers may try to convince you to invest in cryptocurrency over the phone. They may claim to have insider information about the value of a particular cryptocurrency, or they may use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to invest. Remember that investing in cryptocurrency carries risks, and it’s important to do your own research and understand the potential risks before investing.

GST/HST tax refund/credit scam:

Scammers may claim that you are eligible for a GST/HST tax refund or credit and ask for your personal and financial information in order to process the refund. The CRA does not initiate contact about tax refunds or credits through phone or email, and it is important to be cautious about providing your personal and financial information to anyone claiming to be from the CRA.

Don’t wire money or send prepaid credit cards:

The CRA will never ask you to wire money or send prepaid credit cards as payment for taxes or penalties. If someone asks you to do this, it is a scam.

Verify the person’s identity:

If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from the CRA, you can verify their identity by calling the CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281. Do not use the phone number provided by the caller, as it may be fake.

Report the scam:

If you suspect that you have been contacted by a CRA scammer, it’s important to report it to the authorities. You can report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.

Conclusion:

At BG Accounting and Business Solutions, we are dedicated to helping our clients protect their personal and financial information and stay safe from scams and fraud. If you have any questions or concerns about your financial situation or the legitimacy of a communication from the CRA, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you navigate these challenges and ensure the security of your financial information.