--- title: "CRA scam calls and texts: how to spot them | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/cra-scam-calls-and-texts source: TapSafely description: "Is that CRA message real? The warning signs, CRA's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ CRA # CRA scam calls and texts: how to spot them Scammers copy CRA because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake CRA message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short The CRA says it will never send refunds by Interac e-Transfer or text, demand immediate payment by e-Transfer, crypto, prepaid cards or gift cards, or threaten to arrest or deport you. It only texts for sign-in verification codes if you enrolled with a phone, and its emails never contain links asking you to enter personal or financial information. **Most common fake:** You have a CRA refund waiting, accept it by Interac e-Transfer. **Safest check:** Sign in to My Account by typing canada.ca into your browser to see real messages and balances. Example · fake CRA message · Illustrative, links disabled CRA: You have received an Interac e-Transfer tax refund of $486.20. Deposit your funds before they expire: cra-refund-deposit[.]ca/claim An example fake CRA message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What CRA says The CRA says it will never send refunds by Interac e-Transfer or text, demand immediate payment by e-Transfer, crypto, prepaid cards or gift cards, or threaten to arrest or deport you. It only texts for sign-in verification codes if you enrolled with a phone, and its emails never contain links asking you to enter personal or financial information. Source: [Canada Revenue Agency](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/scams-fraud/recognize-scam.html) ## Common fake CRA messages - You have a CRA refund waiting, accept it by Interac e-Transfer - You owe taxes and police will arrest you unless you pay today - Claim a benefit or tax credit you never applied for through this link - Your CRA account is locked, verify your identity and SIN - Pay your balance with gift cards or cryptocurrency ## CRA's real web addresses Genuine CRA links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **canada.ca** is real, but **canada-support-center.com** or **canada.ca.account-check.top** are not. - **canada.ca** - **cra-arc.gc.ca** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a CRA message safely 1. Sign in to My Account by typing canada.ca into your browser to see real messages and balances 2. Call the CRA on a number listed on canada.ca to check whether it contacted you 3. Remember the CRA never sends refunds by text or e-Transfer 4. Hang up on anyone threatening arrest or asking for gift cards or crypto ## How to report a fake CRA message - Tell the CRA about suspicious activity on your account using its online form or by phone (1-833-995-2336 for individuals). [Official details on canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/scams-fraud/report-scam.html) - Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or on 1-888-495-8501. [Official details on antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca](https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm) - Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM). [Official details on canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/fraud-scams.html) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real CRA website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Fake tax refunds, government payments and fines](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-tax-refund-messages) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does CRA send messages asking for payment or personal details? The CRA says it will never send refunds by Interac e-Transfer or text, demand immediate payment by e-Transfer, crypto, prepaid cards or gift cards, or threaten to arrest or deport you. It only texts for sign-in verification codes if you enrolled with a phone, and its emails never contain links asking you to enter personal or financial information. How can I check if a CRA message is real? Sign in to My Account by typing canada.ca into your browser to see real messages and balances. Call the CRA on a number listed on canada.ca to check whether it contacted you. Remember the CRA never sends refunds by text or e-Transfer. Hang up on anyone threatening arrest or asking for gift cards or crypto. How do I report a fake CRA message? Tell the CRA about suspicious activity on your account using its online form or by phone (1-833-995-2336 for individuals). Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or on 1-888-495-8501. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM). I clicked a link in a fake CRA message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Recognize a scam](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/scams-fraud/recognize-scam.html) (Canada Revenue Agency) - [Report a scam](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/scams-fraud/report-scam.html) (Canada Revenue Agency) - [Report fraud and cybercrime](https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm) (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### Fake tax refunds, government payments and fines Messages about tax refunds, benefit payments or unpaid fines are common scams. 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