Skip to content

CRA

Is It Really the CRA? How to Spot a CRA Scam Call, Email or Text

The CRA never demands payment by e-transfer, gift cards, prepaid cards or cryptocurrency, never threatens arrest or deportation, and never sends refunds by e-transfer or text. It only texts for sign-in passcodes. If in doubt, hang up and call the CRA on an official number.

Last verified How we check our facts

The CRA will never

  • Send refunds or payments by e-transfer or text message
  • Give or accept payment in cryptocurrency
  • Demand immediate payment by Interac e-transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid credit cards or gift cards
  • Threaten to deport or arrest you, or put you in prison
  • Use aggressive or threatening language
  • Set up a meeting in a public place to collect payment
  • Charge a fee to speak to an agent
  • Ask for personal or financial information in a voicemail or email

Emails and texts

The CRA only emails you if you signed up for email notifications, asked for a form or link, or joined a mailing list, and its emails never include a link asking for personal or financial information. It only texts one-time sign-in passcodes, and never uses WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

Common scams right now

Fake "revised" notices of assessment, fake grocery rebate and benefit offers, payment demands with spoofed caller ID, fake RCMP arrest warrants paid in cryptocurrency, and "recovery" offers aimed at people who already lost money.

Report it

  • Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (online report)
  • Your local police
  • Check your CRA account for changes you didn't make, and contact the CRA right away if you find any.

Phone numbers

Report fraud or identity theft (individuals)

1-833-995-2336

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-613-221-3117

Report suspicious activity on your CRA online account (automated)

1-800-265-2577

7 days a week, 6 am to 3 am Eastern time

Related

CRA Phone Number and Contact Numbers (2026): Every Line and Hours The main CRA phone number is 1-800-959-8281 for personal tax and CRA account questions. For benefits like the Canada child benefit call 1-800-387-1193, and for businesses 1-800-959-5525. All three are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time, and closed on weekends and public holidays. How to Check if a Call From the CRA Is Real Get the caller's name, office and callback number, then hang up. Don't trust caller ID. Check the number with the CRA's official verification tool or call 1-800-959-8281 yourself. Never give personal information on a call you didn't expect.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.