Tax Scams

Media Release

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Tax Scams

Over the last couple of weeks KLPS has had numerous reports of people receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue agency asking for personal information.

We would like to remind the public that although tax season is almost at an end, fraudsters will still use this opportunity to attempt to scam consumers and businesses out of their hard earned money.

Occasionally, taxpayers may receive, either by telephone, mail, text message or email, a fraudulent communication that claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). In all these cases, the communication requests personal information, such as a social insurance, credit card, bank account, and/or passport numbers, from the taxpayer.

These fraudulent communications typically insist that this personal information is needed so that the taxpayer can receive a refund or benefit payment. Other communications urge taxpayers to visit a fake CRA website where the taxpayer is then asked to verify their identity by entering personal information. These are SCAMS and taxpayers should NEVER respond to these fraudulent communications, or click on any of the links provided.

Warning sign(s) – How to protect yourself

  • • Do not take immediate action. Verify that what you are being told is the truth.
  • • Ask yourself why the CRA would be asking for personal information over the phone or e-mail that they likely already have on file for you as a taxpayer.
  • • Contact the CRA to confirm that you in fact owe back taxes, or are entitled to a refund, before providing any personal or banking information.
  • • For more information about Fraud Scams involving the CRA visit the Canada Revenue Web page at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ntcs/bwr-eng.html

It is important to note that not all telephone messages purporting to be from the CRA are genuine. Should taxpayers wish to verify the authenticity of a CRA telephone number, they should contact the CRA directly by using the numbers on our telephone numbers page. For business-related calls, contact 1-800-959-5525 and for individual concerns, contact 1-800-959-8281.

For information on scams, to report deceptive telemarketing, or if you have given personal or financial information unwittingly, visit http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

FRAUD…Recognize It…Report It…Stop It.

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