Avoiding Tax Scams: How to Spot Fraudulent CRA Calls and Emails

Tax season can be stressful enough without the added worry of scams—unfortunately, fraudulent calls and emails pretending to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are a common problem. Scammers often target Canadians, especially during tax time, using fear and urgency to trick people into handing over money or personal information. Knowing how to spot these scams—and what to do if you encounter one—can save you from financial loss and stress.

Common Signs of a CRA Scam

Scammers use a variety of tactics to appear legitimate, but there are clear red flags to watch for:

1. Unexpected Calls or Emails with Threats

The CRA typically contacts taxpayers first by mail—not by phone, email, or text. If you receive a sudden call demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest, it’s likely a scam. The real CRA won’t use aggressive threats or demand instant payment.

2. Requests for Unusual Payment Methods

The CRA never asks for payment via:

• Gift cards

• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, etc.)

• Wire transfers or prepaid credit cards

Legitimate CRA payments are made through online banking, credit/debit cards (via official portals), or mailed cheques.

3. Poor Grammar and Suspicious Links

Fraudulent emails often contain spelling mistakes, odd phrasing, or urgent subject lines like "URGENT: Legal Action Required!" They may include fake links to "CRA" websites designed to steal your login details. Always check the sender’s email address—official CRA emails come from domains like @cra-arc.gc.ca.

4. Requests for Personal Information

A real CRA agent won’t ask for sensitive details (like your SIN, passport number, or banking info) over the phone or email unless you initiated the contact.

How to Verify a Real CRA Contact

If you’re unsure whether a call or email is legitimate:

• Log in to your CRA My Account – Official notices will appear there.

• Call the CRA directly – Use their verified phone numbers from the CRA website (not the one provided by a suspicious caller).

• Know what the CRA would NEVER do:

  • Demand immediate payment without prior notice.

  • Ask for payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency.

  • Threaten police involvement for unpaid taxes without proper legal process.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

1. Don’t engage – Hang up or don’t reply to suspicious emails.

2. Don’t click links or download attachments – They may contain malware.

3. Report it – Forward scam emails to phishing@cra-arc.gc.ca and report calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca).

4. Monitor your accounts – If you shared personal or banking info, contact your bank and credit bureaus.

Scammers rely on panic—don’t let them rush you. If something feels off, pause and verify. Double-check through official CRA channels before taking any action.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from tax scams and focus on what really matters—filing your taxes with confidence.

Have you ever encountered a CRA scam? Share your experience in the comments to help others stay alert