Be Wary of Phony Emails Purporting to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Identifying Scams and Protecting Yourself

Government agencies, including the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), do not typically communicate with the public via email. If they do contact you by email, they will not include links or demand payments through unusual methods. They will ask you to log in to your account using official methods or send you a letter with payment information.

Recognizing Scam Emails from the CRA

Scammers often mimic official government emails to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information or making payments. Below are several key signs to look out for when determining if an email from the CRA is legitimate:

Red Flags:

The email domain will start with an “@” symbol, which is unusual for official communications. The message claims new mail was sent to your “My Account” and provides the subject of the mail, often in an automated format. The email says it is an automated message and instructs you not to reply. The email specifies a specific amount of money you owe, which is a telltale sign of a scam. The email requests a reply, which is also a red flag. The email asks you to perform any action other than logging into your “My Account.” Any link provided in the email is a deceptive scam, so do not click on it.

Always verify the legitimacy of the email by calling the CRA using a number you have independently verified, not one provided in the email.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Email

Even if you have identified the email as a potential scam, it is still best to verify its authenticity. Here are the steps to follow:

Do not provide any personal or financial information. Do not click on any links within the email. Do not reply to the email. Do not use the phone number provided in the email. Instead, call the CRA using a number you have independently verified. Report the scam to the relevant authorities, such as the police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Phishing emails are designed to trick individuals into revealing their personal and financial information. If you are still unsure, it is better to err on the side of caution and verify the email's legitimacy before taking any action.

Conclusion

If any email claims you owe money without providing context or a clear explanation, it is almost certainly a scam. It is important to stay vigilant and protect your personal information and financial security. If you encounter any suspicious activity, do not hesitate to contact the CRA or seek help from local authorities.

For more information on protecting yourself from online scams and phishing attempts, refer to the resources provided by organizations such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.