Fraudulent emails and phone calls -CRA!
The CRA is warning Canadians that fraudulent emails and phone calls purporting to be from the Agency are currently being reported. Find out more about these scams and learn how you can protect yourself.
Sample telephone scam
You may get a phone call from a person aggressively telling you to pay the taxes you owe. This person will claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency.
In an effort to prevent you from falling prey to these cons, the CRA is releasing transcripts of the scams that are currently targeting taxpayers.
Caller ID Spoofing
Caller ID is a useful function. However, the information displayed can be altered by criminals. Never use only the displayed information to confirm the identity of the caller whether it be an individual, a company or a government entity.
Sample 1
The first example is a voice message that was received by a CRA employee based in Halifax and contains several red flags you should be aware of:
Transcript:
The reason behind this call is to notify you that we have registered a criminal case against your name concerning a tax evasion and tax fraud in the federal court house. So if you want any further information about this case, please make sure you give us a call back as quick as possible to our direct hotline number to the Canada Revenue Agency Headquarters. That is 613-927-9919, I will please repeat the number, it is 613-927-9919. If we don’t receive a call from your side, please be prepared to face the legal consequences, as the issue of tax is extremely serious and time-sensitive. So have a blessed time.
Sample 2
The second example is a voice message of telephone scam in which the caller urges the listener to return a call, before legal action is taken against them. The call contains several red flags that you should be aware of:
Transcript:
…at hand is extremely time-sensitive. I am officer Nicky Johnson from the Canada Revenue Agency, and the hot-line to my division is 613-665-0503. I repeat, it’s 613-665-0503. Don’t disregard this message, and do return the call before we take any action against you. Goodbye and take care.
Sample 3
The third example is another voice message telephone scam in which the caller urges the listener to return a call before legal action is taken against them. The call contains several red flags that you should be aware of:
Transcript:
So in next 24 hours we will be marking a lien on your assets and your bank accounts due to your inability to settle your dues with the CRA. A bill collection officer will visit you soon to complete the paper works. If you have any questions then call our tax default line. 888-745-0433, I repeat it’s, 888-745-0433. If you don’t call immediately, or if we don’t hear from your attorney either, then you will be solely responsible for all legal consequences. Goodbye.
Sample 4
The fourth example is a scam phone call to Nate Brideau, a Winnipeg-based corporate tax specialist. Nate recognized the scam early. He recorded several calls the scammers made and sent the recordings to the Winnipeg Free Press, which published an article on the issue.
Sample 5
To hear another example of a phone scam, go to CBC’s recording of a phone scam.