CRA Warns of Growing Tax Scams in 2025

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It can pop up as a random text or unsolicited email. It can even be a phone call from an unknown or “spoofed” number.

Fraudsters are pulling out all the stops this tax season and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning Canadians to be vigilant after a record $638 million was lost to scams in 2024.

It’s a huge number but officials say it’s only the tip of the iceberg. RCMP believe that only 5-to-10 per cent of scams are actually reported, and the real monetary loss is literally billions of dollars — every single year.

“It’s very concerning, and the best defence is awareness. Even if you crack down on those scammers – we can’t stop them,” warns Ahmad Almuqarqash with the CRA.

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Due to its size and scope, the CRA is often impersonated in these scams.

The text or email can have an official looking logo or letterhead. The fake CRA agent may give a badge number. It can be easy to fall victim.

“Anyone can be a victim of a scam. Sometimes they just look so real. “

In almost all cases, there is a promise or a threat.  

The promise — a refund or free money — with a simple click of a link.

The threat — jail time or deportation — unless you “pay up”.

“The CRA will never threaten to arrest you. We won’t use threatening language or tell you that you’ll be deported from the country,” Almuqarqash points out.

“Stop. Verify. Verify. You never know these days who is calling you or who is texting you. The CRA will never ask for a payment via a gift card, or crypto currency or e-transfer. We don’t do that.”

Almuqarqash, an immigrant himself, says newcomers are especially susceptible to scammers due to language barriers, cultural differences or lack of knowledge with the Canadian tax system.

He urges everyone to “trust their gut” and ignore the notice or simply hang up the call.

“They’re playing on fears, and they want you to make an immediate decision to send them your financial information. Always treat your personal information, your social insurance number, your financial information as a treasure. Don’t share it with anyone.”

If you want to share your concerns, he suggests running them by family, friends or your community.  

Still in doubt? Contact the “real” CRA by phone or other means.

“Follow us on our social media platforms. We will update you about the latest scams.”

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Tax Schemes Ramp Up

Some of those latest scams include “tax schemes”. They’re different from regular tax scams but also often target newcomers.  

Almuqarqash says they usually involve being approached by a stranger — either online or in the community. The scammer then makes their pitch.

“This person is being friendly, super friendly and helpful. Then suddenly they tell you, ‘We can get you more money, more benefits, from the government.’”

The lure of extra money, he says, often causes people to act — before they think.  

“The newcomer gives them their financial information. Maybe their tax return. The scammer then adjusts their tax return, and they change their immigration date. By changing your immigration date, they adjust your benefits, and they make a fraudulent claim.”

“They’re promising you bigger benefit, bigger return, but actually they’re bending the tax system illegally and these are called tax schemes,” he says.

What do they get out of it? Usually, a cut of your return.

What do you get? A big fine when you are caught.

“If you fall for a tax scheme – you’re responsible for that.”

The CRA advises if you suspect you’re a victim of fraud to call police. Follow up that call with one to your bank, the CRA and the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre.  

The government has a scam awareness web site at Canada.ca/BeScamSmart. The BeScam Smart page covers all kinds of government scams, from the CRA to Service Canada,IRCC, and more

The tax filing deadline is April 30, 2025.

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‍Popular Tax Scams

• Phishing scam involving EFILE (new): This scam targets the tax preparation community. Bad actors are prompting EFILERs to log into a fake EFILE Sign in page to “activate” their account. This link then allows the scammer access to all of your accounts.

• CRA payment by text message: A text message of an image with the Government of Canada logo claiming to be from the CRA offering a fraudulent Interac® e-transfer deposit. A separate text message containing a link to a realistic impersonation of a sign-in portal for financial institutions is sent.

• Messages containing personal information: A message claiming to be from the CRA, requesting a payment or containing a link. It includes personal information such as your name, date of birth, or Social Insurance Number.

• GST/HST tax refund/credit scam: Claiming to be the CRA, the threat actor sends you a text message or an email about giving you a GST/HST tax refund or credit. You are asked to provide personal information to proceed.

• Scam to access CRA accounts: The threat actor sends a text message claiming to be the CRA to gain access to your CRA accounts. Message will say there is an error with your account.

• Identity theft and fraudulent tax returns: Threat actors gather personal information (such as user ID and passwords) and file fake tax returns in your name

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Media RSVP, Interviews & Inquiries:

Tomasia DaSilva

Media and Relationship Strategist

Email: tomasiadasilva@immigrant-education.ca

Phone: 403-291-0002

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