Effective Strategies for Protecting Yourself from CRA Impostors

Scams targeting Canadians and Canadian charities and nonprofits have become increasingly sophisticated. Such scams can result in identity theft, financial losses, and added stress.

‍Here are some practical tips to help you protect yourself and your loved ones from CRA scams:

‍1. Recognize Common Scam Tactics

‍Empower yourself by recognizing the fear tactics scammers often use to manipulate their victims. They may claim that you or your charity owe taxes, threaten legal action, or promise a refund to trick you into providing personal information. Exercise caution with unexpected calls, emails, or texts that appear to be from the CRA, mainly if they induce a feeling of urgency.

Key Signs of a Scam:

• Unsolicited contact from the CRA.
• Requests for personal or financial information.
• Demands for immediate payment via unusual methods (like gift cards or wire transfers).
• Threatening language or intimidation.

2. Verify Contact Information

‍‍If you get a questionable message, feel free to confirm its legitimacy. The CRA will never ask for sensitive information via email or text. Instead, visit the CRA website or call their official number to confirm the legitimate communication.

‍‍Useful Contact:

• CRA Official Website: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency

3. Be Cautious with Links and Attachments

‍‍Fraudsters frequently employ phishing techniques to entice you to click on harmful links or download unsafe attachments. Always hover over links to check the URL before clicking, and avoid downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources.

‍4. Report Suspicious Activity

‍‍If you suspect you've encountered a scam, it's crucial to report it. This helps authorities track and combat fraudulent activities. You can report scams to the following organizations:

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
• CRA: Report suspicious emails to the CRA at phishing@cra-arc.gc.ca or call their general inquiries line.

5. Educate Yourself and Others

‍‍Keep updated on the newest scams and share this information with your friends and family. Sharing information can help others recognize and avoid scams. The CRA website often updates its list of known scams, which can be a helpful resource.

‍6. Use Strong Security Measures

‍‍Enhance your sense of safety by protecting your personal information with strong, unique passwords for your accounts and enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible. Consistently check your bank and credit accounts for suspicious activity to safeguard your financial security.

‍7. Stay Calm and Don't Rush

‍‍Remember, scammers thrive on panic. If you receive a suspicious call or message, take a deep breath. Don't rush to provide information or make decisions. Hang up, verify, and take the time to assess the situation. Your calm and collected response can be your best defence.

‍Conclusion

‍‍By remaining knowledgeable and alert, you can better shield yourself from CRA scams and enhance community safety. Keep in mind: if something seems suspicious, it likely is. For additional information and resources on how to avoid scams, check out the CRA's official website or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

‍‍Reporting Websites:

• CRA: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

‍Taking these proactive measures can protect your personal information and help fight fraud. Stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers will help you understand how to keep your CRA account safe and protect yourself from scams. Learn what steps to take if you think someone is using your identity.

How to protect your CRA account?

Use a strong, unique password and change it regularly. Sign up for email notifications so you know when changes happen to your account. Never share your user ID, password, or security answers with anyone. Check your account often for anything that looks wrong. If you see activity you didn't do, contact CRA right away.

Does CRA offer identity theft protection?

CRA doesn't offer identity theft protection services. However, they have security measures to help keep your account safe. You can add extra protection by setting up security questions and email alerts. If you think someone stole your identity, call CRA immediately at 1-800-959-8281. They will help secure your account and stop unauthorized access.

How do I check if someone is using my identity in Canada?

Check your CRA My Account for any changes you didn't make, like a new address or direct deposit information. Look at your credit report from Equifax or TransUnion for accounts you didn't open. Review your bank statements for charges you don't recognize. Watch for government mail that stops coming or mail about accounts you never opened. If you find anything suspicious, report it to CRA and your local police.

How can you protect yourself from CRA phone scams?

Remember that CRA will never threaten you with police arrest or ask for payment by gift cards or cryptocurrency. They won't send police to your home or ask for personal information by email or text. If someone calls claiming to be from CRA and demands immediate payment, hang up. Call CRA directly using the number on their official website to verify if they really need to reach you. Don't give out your social insurance number or banking details over the phone unless you made the call yourself.

How can you protect your money and personal data from CRA scammers?

Never click links in emails or texts claiming to be from CRA. Always go directly to the CRA website by typing the address yourself. Don't give out your social insurance number, credit card numbers, or banking information unless you're sure who you're talking to. CRA will never ask you to pay with gift cards, Bitcoin, or prepaid credit cards. If you get a suspicious call or email, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. When in doubt, contact CRA directly using the phone number from their official website.