WEYBURN - Tax scams are becoming more and more evolved, and there are a number of best practices that are advised by the Canada Revenue Agency.
“It is important to look out for red flags,” said Sababa Hossain, CRA representative. “CRA members will never pressure someone for payment over the phone or in an email. If there is aggressive or threatening language in a text message, email or phone call, then it is definitely a scammer. Other schemes include asking for payment using crypto currency or gift cards.”
Hossain also warned that the CRA would never start a conversation by using personal information. “Scammers might try to use your name or Social Insurance Number to make you believe that are representing the CRA. We will never text anyone with this information to make contact. If you receive a phone call and are worried about it being a scam, hang up the call and contact the CRA office directly at our Contact Centre. Canadians will never be penalized for hanging up a call.”
Canadians who use the MyAccount to track their tax returns can go online to check if they own any money to the CRA. One can also check their MyAccount for any usual activity, or for any updates or to verify an email from the CRA.
There is a tax scheme that targets newcomers, as someone will pose as a tax advisor, and try to encourage the newcomer to apply to extra benefits before they moved to Canada. “Once the victim falls for the scheme, then they are on the hook for any benefits they receive that do not actually apply,” said Hossain.
Promotes and scammers will rush the newcomers to transfer money or pay fees, sometimes using prepared credit cards, or gift cards. They will also threaten to arrest or deport the newcomer, or send police to arrest their family. It is important that newcomers know that a CRA representative will never threaten to deport them.
The CRA posts the most recent scams that might affect Canadians on their website. It is also recommended to report any tax scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
