Spotting and Avoiding CRA Scams

Introduction
Understanding spotting and avoiding CRA scams is essential for individuals, businesses, seniors, students and new Canadians. Fraudsters impersonate CRA or Revenu Québec agents to steal money, personal information or banking details. These scams are becoming more sophisticated—using real CRA phone spoofing, fake CRA emails, fraudulent payment links, and aggressive threats. Every year, thousands of Canadians fall victim to tax scams. This guide provides a complete overview of spotting and avoiding CRA scams, the warning signs, the tactics scammers use, and how to protect yourself.

Legal and Regulatory Framework
Spotting and avoiding CRA scams falls under:

• Income Tax Act (privacy and taxpayer rights)
• Tax Administration Act Québec
• Criminal Code of Canada (fraud/identity theft)
• CRA’s official communication guidelines
• Revenu Québec’s communication guidelines

CRA and ARQ have strict rules about how they contact taxpayers.
Understanding these rules makes spotting and avoiding CRA scams much easier.

1. How CRA and Revenu Québec Actually Contact You

Knowing what CRA does and does not do is the foundation of spotting and avoiding CRA scams.

CRA may contact you by:

• mail
• secure message in CRA My Account
• phone (but without threats or payment demands)

CRA will NEVER:

• threaten arrest
• threaten deportation
• demand immediate payment
• demand payment by gift cards, crypto or e-transfer
• ask for SIN, passport, or driver’s licence over the phone
• ask for banking passwords
• send links in email or text requesting payment
• send collection officers to your door without prior written notice

Revenu Québec follows the same standards.

If any of these occur, it is a scam.

2. The Most Common CRA Scams

Phone Scams

Fraudsters pretend to be CRA collections agents. Signs include:

• aggressive tone
• threats of arrest or legal action
• caller ID spoofed as “CRA”
• instructions to call a fake agent
• demand for immediate payment
• refusal to send written notice

Email & Phishing Scams

Fake CRA emails often include:

• “refund available” links
• fake CRA logos
• attachments with malware
• requests for SIN or banking information
• links to fraudulent portals

CRA NEVER sends tax refunds by email link.

Text Message (SMS) Scams

Texts may claim:

• unpaid taxes
• locked CRA account
• refund available
• payment verification link

CRA does NOT communicate through SMS for payment or refunds.

Fake CRA Agents Visiting Homes or Businesses

Real CRA agents always:

• send a written notice first
• identify themselves with official ID
• never request immediate payment

Real Revenu Québec visits follow similar protocols.

3. Red Flags to Watch For

Spotting and avoiding CRA scams becomes easier when you recognize common warning signs:

• high-pressure or threatening language
• requests for gift-card payments
• demands for cryptocurrency payments
• fake “CRA case numbers”
• calls outside business hours
• foreign accents with aggressive scripts
• withholding caller name or employee ID
• refusal to allow you to verify identity
• email addresses not ending in @cra-arc.gc.ca
• text messages containing payment links

Any one of these signals potential fraud.

4. How to Verify If a CRA Contact Is Legitimate

If you're unsure:

• hang up immediately
• log in to CRA My Account to see if there is a message or balance due
• call CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281
• call Revenu Québec at 1-800-267-6299

NEVER use phone numbers provided in suspicious messages.

5. What To Do If You Receive a Scam Attempt

For spotting and avoiding CRA scams, follow these steps:

• do not respond
• do not click links
• do not provide information
• hang up immediately
• report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
• delete the email or text
• inform your CPA advisor
• monitor your credit if you suspect identity theft

If money was lost, contact:

• your bank
• local police
• credit bureaus (Equifax/TransUnion)

6. Real Examples of CRA Scams Reported in Canada

Mackisen clients have encountered:

• calls demanding e-transfers for “GST arrears”
• phishing emails saying “You have a tax refund available”
• fake debt collectors claiming “CRA filed a lawsuit against you”
• threats of immigration consequences for unpaid taxes
• fraudulent My Account login pages
• fake CRA audits requesting banking passwords

These real examples show why spotting and avoiding CRA scams must be taken seriously.

7. Key Court and Government Findings

Canadian courts and agencies confirm:

• CRA will never demand payment outside official channels
• threats of arrest are always fraudulent
• phishing emails often mimic CRA branding convincingly
• seniors and new immigrants are targeted more frequently
• fraud attempts increase during tax season

Government reports show a rise in identity theft linked to fraudulent CRA contacts.

Mackisen Strategy

Mackisen CPA provides full support for spotting and avoiding CRA scams:

• verifying whether CRA/ARQ contacts are legitimate
• reviewing suspicious emails, letters or calls
• advising clients on safe communication with tax authorities
• securing tax accounts (password resets, 2FA, fraud alerts)
• ensuring CRA My Account and Revenu Québec accounts are protected
• dealing with CRA or ARQ on your behalf safely
• reporting fraud attempts appropriately
• helping victims recover from tax-related identity theft

We act as the frontline protection for your financial and tax security.

Real Client Experience

Some situations we handled at Mackisen:

• A client received a threatening voicemail claiming CRA warrant issuance. We confirmed fraud and helped secure their CRA account.
• A Québec resident was asked for payment by prepaid cards. We blocked the scam and contacted the Anti-Fraud Centre.
• An elderly client clicked a phishing link and entered personal details. We helped freeze her accounts and notify CRA/ARQ.
• A business owner received fake GST “audit letters.” Mackisen verified the documents and exposed the scam.

These cases demonstrate how critical it is to stay vigilant.

Common Questions

• Does CRA ever call taxpayers?
Yes, but never with threats or payment demands.

• Does CRA send refunds by text or email?
Never.

• Can CRA freeze my bank account?
Yes—but only after multiple written notices, never suddenly.

• How do I confirm if a letter is real?
Show it to Mackisen or check CRA My Account.

• What if I already gave information?
Immediately contact your CPA, your bank and the Anti-Fraud Centre.

Why Mackisen

With more than 35 years of combined CPA experience, Mackisen CPA Montreal helps taxpayers stay safe, secure and fully protected from tax-related scams and fraud. Whether you're spotting and avoiding CRA scams or dealing with identity theft, our expert team provides verification, intervention, account protection and professional communication with tax agencies.