As Canadians prepare their 2025 tax returns, the Ontario Provincial Police East Region is warning of a rise in Canada Revenue Agency impersonation scams.
Police say fraudsters are sending fake emails, text messages and making phone calls designed to steal personal and financial information. The real Canada Revenue Agency will never send refunds by e-transfer or text, ask for social insurance numbers or banking details by email or phone, threaten arrest, or demand payment through cryptocurrency or gift cards.
Scammers often use phishing messages urging people to “claim your refund” or “update your account,” and may create fake websites that mimic official login pages.
Police urge residents not to click suspicious links and to verify messages by contacting the agency directly. Canadians are also encouraged to monitor their CRA My Account for unusual activity and report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
