CRA Scams in Canada: How to Spot a Fake Canada Revenue Agency Call, Text or Email
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) impersonation is one of the most reported frauds in Canada. Scammers call claiming you owe back taxes and that the RCMP or local police will arrest you unless you pay immediately — often by gift cards, Bitcoin ATM or prepaid credit cards. Text and email versions promise a refund, benefit payment or GST/HST credit 'sent by Interac e-Transfer' and link to a fake deposit page that steals your online banking login. The real CRA never sends refunds by e-Transfer, never demands gift cards or crypto, and never threatens immediate arrest.
Real Scam Message Examples
These are real examples of messages used in this type of scam. If you receive something similar, do not click any links.
Example 1
“CRA: You have received an Interac e-Transfer of $487.20 for your tax refund. Select your bank to deposit: cra-refund-deposit.ca”
Example 2
“This is the Canada Revenue Agency. A warrant has been issued for your arrest for tax evasion. Press 1 to speak to an officer before your file is sent to the RCMP.”
Example 3
“Canada Revenue Agency: Your GST/HST credit of $356 is on hold due to incomplete information. Verify your SIN within 48 hours: canada-cra-benefits.com”
Warning Signs of a CRA Scam
- ⚠A caller says you owe taxes and threatens arrest, deportation or a visit from the RCMP if you don't pay today
- ⚠You're told to pay using gift cards (Google Play, Apple, Steam), a Bitcoin ATM, or prepaid credit cards
- ⚠A text or email says you have a CRA refund or benefit 'waiting' as an Interac e-Transfer and asks you to pick your bank
- ⚠The message asks for your Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, or online banking password
- ⚠The link isn't on canada.ca, or the caller asks you to stay on the line while you go to the store or ATM
How Does This Scam Work?
- 1You receive a robocall, live call, text or email using the CRA name, the Government of Canada wordmark, or a spoofed 1-800 number
- 2The scammer invents a tax debt with a fine and arrest threat, or dangles a refund or benefit payment
- 3For debts, they keep you on the phone and direct you to buy gift cards or use a Bitcoin ATM, then read out the codes
- 4For refunds, a link leads to a fake 'choose your bank' page that captures your online banking username and password
- 5Stolen banking access is used to empty accounts or apply for credit and benefits in your name; you may be targeted again with 'recovery' offers
Legitimate vs Scam: How to Tell the Difference
| Aspect | ✓ Legitimate | ✗ Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Refunds | Paid by direct deposit or cheque — the CRA never sends money by Interac e-Transfer | Text or email says your refund is waiting as an e-Transfer and asks you to pick your bank |
| Payment method | Pay through your bank, CRA My Payment, or approved methods listed on canada.ca | Demands gift cards, Bitcoin, prepaid credit cards or wire transfers |
| Tone | Formal notices through My Account or mail with time to respond and dispute | Threatens immediate arrest or deportation by police or the RCMP |
| Where to check | Your CRA My Account on canada.ca shows real balances, refunds and messages | Wants you to act only through their link or phone line |
What Should You Do?
- ✓Hang up or delete the message. Sign in to CRA My Account directly at canada.ca to see whether you really owe anything
- ✓If unsure, call the CRA's individual tax enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281 — a number you look up yourself, not one from the message
- ✓Paste the suspicious message into ScamCheck for an instant verdict
- ✓If you shared banking details, call your bank right away; if you gave your SIN, contact Service Canada and watch your credit with Equifax and TransUnion
- ✓Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501, antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca) and, if you lost money, to your local police
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Check it now — it's free →Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CRA send refunds by Interac e-Transfer?
No. The CRA says it will never send you money by e-Transfer. Refunds and benefits come by direct deposit or cheque. Any message saying your CRA refund is waiting as an e-Transfer is a scam.
Can the CRA have me arrested over the phone?
No. The CRA does not threaten immediate arrest, send police to your home over a phone call, or demand payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency. Hang up on any caller who does.
What is the CAFC and how do I report to it?
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is Canada's central agency for collecting information on fraud and identity theft, jointly run by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police. Report online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or call 1-888-495-8501. If you lost money, also report to your local police.
How do I check if a CRA call is real?
Hang up and sign in to CRA My Account on canada.ca, or call the CRA using a number from canada.ca (individual enquiries: 1-800-959-8281). The CRA also publishes examples of its real and fake communications on its 'Scams and fraud' page.
I paid a CRA scammer with gift cards — can I get my money back?
Call the gift card company immediately using the number on the back of the card and ask them to freeze the funds; sometimes they can if you act fast. Keep your receipts, report to the CAFC and your local police.
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