Receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can be unsettling—especially if the caller is requesting personal information or urging immediate action. With phone scams on the rise, it’s more important than ever to verify whether a CRA call is legitimate before responding.

To help Canadians protect themselves, the CRA has launched a dedicated webpage designed to confirm the authenticity of CRA phone numbers (Verify it’s the CRA calling – Scams and fraud – CRA – Canada.ca). You can visit the website and enter the 10-digit callback number provided by the caller. The tool will instantly check whether the number is officially associated with the CRA.

It’s crucial to understand that scammers often use caller ID spoofing to make their calls appear as though they’re coming from a trusted source. That means the number displayed on your phone may look legitimate—even if it’s not. The CRA emphasizes that you should not rely on caller ID alone to verify a call. Instead, use their online verification tool, which only includes publicly listed CRA phone numbers. Direct lines to individual CRA employees are not part of this database and cannot be verified through the tool.

If the number doesn’t appear on the CRA’s verification page, it’s best to proceed with caution. Do not share any personal or financial information, and consider reporting the incident to the CRA or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Never give out personal information unless you’re sure the call is legitimate.
• Hang up and verify the number using the CRA’s official website.
• Be wary of threats, pressure tactics, or requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency—these are red flags.
• If in doubt, contact the CRA directly using a verified number from their website.

Staying informed and cautious can help protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to fraud. Bookmark the CRA’s verification page and share it with others—it’s a simple but powerful tool in the fight against scams.