You may or may not be aware of the fraudulent Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) phone calls, emails and letters circulating at this time. CRA usually contacts taxpayers by letter or phone call but never by email.

However, you may receive calls or voicemails from someone claiming to be a CRA agent, even giving an agent number, stating that you need to contact them immediately to settle an outstanding balance or else a lien will be placed on your property. The level of threat that these callers are making is sometimes a give-away, but the tactics used are indeed effective. Some are claiming you have a refund and to receive it they ask for bank or credit card information. CRA would never ask for bank or credit card information over the phone.

Fraudulent letters and emails are circulating as well. If you are not absolutely positive the letter or e-mail purporting to be from the CRA is legitimate, please forward the letters or emails directly to your accountant.

You may also be contacted by someone claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through emails, text message or social media channels. Please be aware that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message or social media channels to request personal or financial information.

Please do not respond to any of these fraudulent communications. If you have any questions or concerns about your tax situation contact your Chartered Professional Accountant immediately.

For further information and examples of the fraudulent phone calls, emails and letters please see the links below.

CRA: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/scrty/frdprvntn/menu-eng.html
IRS: https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Identity-Protection