CANADA REVENUE AGENCY SCAMS

Be aware that these scams occur especially around tax time. Callers pose as Canada Revenue Agency employees and inform the victim of an outstanding balance that must be paid immediately. Or the scammers may state the victim is being charged for fraud and payment must be paid immediately. The callers may state that the RCMP are on the way to their homes. They will demand social insurance numbers, credit card numbers or other personal information.

The Canada Revenue Agency will never ask for personal information by text or emails. It will not leave personal information on answering machines or send a link where personal information can be divulged. Cases of fraudulent communication could also involve threatening or coercive language to scare individuals into paying fictitious debt to the CRA. Other communications urge taxpayers to visit a fake CRA website where the taxpayer is then asked to verify their identity by entering personal information.

LOTTERY, SWEEPSTAKES AND CONTEST SCAMS

These scams work by sending victims personalized material that outlines a prize that they have won.

The “winners” have to pay a small tax to claim the prize winners or provide their banking information so the prices can be directly deposited. There is no prize and the scammer now has the prize-claiming fee or the victim’s personal information.

TIPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SCAMS

• Protect personal documents. Keep them in a secure location and do not carry your birth certificate, passport or SIN card unless it is necessary.

• Never give anyone your banking PIN and protect your code when using ATMs and using debit or credit cards to make purchases.

• Buy a shredder and shred all old bills and anything that contains sensitive or identifying information.

• Do not click on emails or links from people you do not know.

• Never give out payment or banking information in a phone call or Internet communication that you did not initiate.

• Do not be bullied or rushed by “limited time offers.” If someone makes you an offer, give yourself time to think about it or talk it over with someone whose judgment you trust. If you are being pressured to buy, sign or give over your information, it is best to walk away.

• If someone comes to your door and offers to provide a service or do work on your home, ask for identification and references.

HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM?

You should report deceptive telemarketing to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.

If you suspect you may be the victim of fraud or have been tricked into giving personal or financial information, contact your local police service.

If your social insurance number (SIN) has been stolen, you should contact Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218. For more information, see Social Insurance Number (Service Canada website).

You can ask the CRA to disable online access to your information on the CRA login services by contacting us. After access to your information is disabled, you may change your mind and want access again. If so, you can contact us and ask that your access be re-activated.