Key takeaways
- The CRA will never demand payment by e-transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid cards or gift cards
- The CRA will never threaten to deport or arrest you
- End the call, then check the callback number with the CRA’s online tool or call 1-800-959-8281
- Report CRA account problems to the CRA at 1-833-995-2336 and scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501
What will the CRA never do?
The CRA lists things it will not do. If someone does any of these, it is a scam:
- send refunds or payments by e-transfer or text message;
- give or accept payments in cryptocurrency;
- demand or pressure you to pay right away by Interac e-transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid credit cards or gift cards;
- threaten to deport or arrest you, or put you in prison;
- use aggressive or threatening language;
- set up a meeting in a public place to collect a payment;
- charge a fee to speak with a call centre agent;
- ask for personal or financial information in a voicemail or email.
Your immigration status is not handled by the CRA. A caller who says your permit or PR will be cancelled over taxes is lying. See also immigration scams.
How does the CRA really contact you?
| Channel | The CRA may | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | Confirm your identity (name, date of birth, SIN); ask about your account or documents; ask for unfiled returns; ask for payment of a debt using CRA payment options; tell you about a review or audit | Demands gift cards, crypto or e-transfer; threats of arrest |
| Tell you there is a new message in your CRA account; send a link or form you asked an agent for | An email that asks for personal or financial information, or has a link where you enter it | |
| Text | Send a code for multi-factor sign-in, only if you enrolled | Any text about a refund or with a link |
| Send notices and letters | Letters asking for payment by unusual methods |
When in doubt, sign in to your CRA account yourself and look for messages. Never use a link from a text or email to sign in. See CRA My Account for newcomers.
How do you check a call is really from the CRA?
- End the call. The CRA says not to verify the number during the call or trust your caller ID. Scammers can fake caller ID.
- Check the callback number. Use the tool on the CRA’s verify it’s the CRA calling page. Before you hang up, ask for the caller’s name, office location and a number to call back.
- Or call the CRA yourself. Use 1-800-959-8281 for individuals and trusts, or 1-800-959-5525 for businesses. Do not use a number the caller gives you.
- Check your account. If the CRA really needs something, it is usually in your CRA account or a letter.
Common CRA scams newcomers see
| Scam | What it looks like | Why it is fake |
|---|---|---|
| Refund text | “You have a refund. Click to deposit.” | The CRA does not send refunds by text |
| Arrest or deportation call | “You owe tax. Police are on the way unless you pay now.” | The CRA will never threaten arrest or deportation |
| Gift card or crypto demand | “Buy gift cards and read me the numbers.” | The CRA does not accept these payments |
| Fake sign-in page | An email link to a page that looks like CRA sign-in | CRA emails do not ask you to enter personal or financial details through a link |
| Fake benefit payment | “You qualify for a new benefit. Pay a fee to receive it.” | The CRA lists fake benefit payments as a known scam; benefits are set through your tax return |
| Recovery scam | “We can get back the money you lost, for a fee.” | The CRA lists recovery room scams as a known type |
Scammers also target bank accounts and tuition payments. Read banking scams and tuition payment scams.
Example: a call that shows every warning sign
Priya arrived in Toronto four months ago. Her phone shows “Canada Revenue Agency.” The caller says she owes $2,400 from her first return and will be deported unless she pays today with gift cards.
- She has not filed a return yet, so there can be no assessed debt. Warning sign.
- Threat of deportation. The CRA never does this.
- Gift cards. The CRA does not accept them.
- Caller ID. Scammers can fake it, and the CRA says not to rely on it.
Priya hangs up, calls 1-800-959-8281 herself, and confirms there is no debt. She then reports the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
What to do if you were scammed
Act quickly. The CRA lists these steps:
| What happened | Who to contact | How |
|---|---|---|
| You shared CRA account details, or see changes you did not make | CRA | Online report form, or 1-833-995-2336 for personal accounts (TTY 1-800-267-7622) |
| Your business account is affected | CRA | 1-800-959-5525 |
| You sent money or bank details | Your bank | Call the number on your card or the bank’s website |
| Your SIN was shared | Service Canada | 1-866-274-6627 |
| Your identity may be used | Equifax and TransUnion | Ask about a fraud alert on your credit file |
| Any scam, even if you lost nothing | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre | 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4:45 pm Eastern) or online |
| You lost money or are a victim of fraud | Local police | Non-emergency line |
The CRA says a designated officer will contact you within 14 business days after it receives your report. Report scams even if you did not lose money. It helps others.
How to protect your CRA account
The CRA recommends these steps:
- Sign up for CRA email notifications and keep your email address current.
- Watch for changes you did not make to your mailing address, banking or direct deposit details, or authorized representatives.
- Use complex passwords, change them regularly, and do not reuse them on other sites.
- Set up a phone PIN that does not use personal details such as your date of birth.
- Keep your mailing address, phone number and email current so the CRA can reach you.
Also, sign in by typing canada.ca into your browser rather than using a link from a message.
For a full list of documents and services in your first months, see how to get a SIN.
Common questions
Does the CRA ever call people?
Yes. The CRA may call to confirm your identity, ask about your account or ask for payment of a real debt using CRA payment options. It will not demand gift cards or threaten arrest.
How do I check if a CRA call is real?
Hang up. Check the callback number with the CRA’s online tool, or call 1-800-959-8281 yourself. Do not trust caller ID.
Does the CRA send texts?
Only multi-factor sign-in codes if you enrolled. The CRA does not send refunds by text.
Where do I report a CRA scam?
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online. If your CRA account was affected, also contact the CRA.
Can the CRA deport me for unpaid taxes?
The CRA says it will never threaten to deport or arrest you. A caller who does is a scammer.