Make sure the caller is a CRA employee and not a scammer!
Legitimate CRA employees who contact Canadians will identify themselves as CRA agents and provide their name and a telephone number. You should make sure the caller is a CRA employee before providing any information on the phone. This will protect you from giving money or personal information to a scammer.
This is how you can make sure the caller is from the CRA:
Tell the caller you would like to first verify their identity.
Ask for, and make a note of their:
Name
Phone number
Office location
Once you have this information, go to the CRA website and verify that the phone number is on their website. Once this is done, you can call the CRA employee back to discuss the reason for the call.
Check that the call you received was legitimate by contacting the CRA at the number that you look up yourself on the CRA website before you provide any information to the caller. Once you’ve done this, then you can call the CRA employee back to discuss the reason for the call.
When to be Suspicious
Here are a few “red flags that indicate that the caller is not from the CRA:
They can’t provide you with proof of working for the CRA, such as name and an office location.
The caller is pressuring you to act now.
The caller is asking you to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency or some other unusual manner.
The caller is asking for information you would not include on your tax return or that is not related to money you owe the CRA, such as a credit card number.
The caller is recommending that you apply for benefits. Canadians can apply for benefits directly on Government of Canada websites or by phone. Do not provide information to callers offering to apply for benefits on your behalf.
Why CRA may be reviewing your tax return
One reason CRA may contact you is if they are reviewing your income tax and benefit return.
You may receive a letter or phone call telling you your income tax and benefit return is being reviewed.
If you’re registered for email notifications, we will send you an email telling you your letter is available in My Account.
It’s important that you reply and send all of the information requested as soon as possible. This will help review your file quickly and easily.
If you can’t get the documents they are asking for or if you need more time to reply, it’s important that you call the number in your letter. They usually give you more time to respond if you need it, and they can help you if you have any questions. If you don’t reply, your claim may be disallowed and you could have a balance owing.