There is a new wave of email phishing scams, where fraudsters pretending to be the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) ask for personal information such as credit card, bank account and SINs. Be aware and DO NOT click on links included in these emails! If in doubt, contact your trusted accountants, we have a nose for these kind of things.
More importantly, you need to know that…
CRA DOES NOT USE EMAILS TO COMMUNICATE WITH TAX PAYERS: EVER!
In addition, you can read up on these CRA articles on how to identify, prevent and report fraud.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/lrts/2014/l140307-eng.html
To better equip taxpayers to identify possible scams, the following guidelines should be used:
The CRA:
NEVER requests information from a taxpayer about a passport, health card, or driver’s license.
NEVER divulges taxpayer information to another person unless formal authorization is provided by the taxpayer.
NEVER leaves any personal information on an answering machine or asks taxpayers to leave a message with their personal information on an answering machine.
When in doubt, ask yourself the following:
Am I expecting additional money from the CRA?
Does this sound too good to be true?
Is the requester asking for information I would not include with my tax return?
Is the requester asking for information I know the CRA already has on file for me?
How did the requester get my email address or telephone number?
Am I confident I know who is asking for the information?
Is there a reason that the CRA may be calling? Do I have a tax balance outstanding?
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/fraudprevention/ FRAUD: Recognize It. Report It. Stop It.
The information presented is only of a general nature, may omit many details and special rules, is current only as of its published date, and accordingly cannot be regarded as legal or tax advice. Please contact our office for more information on this subject and how it pertains to your specific tax or financial situation.
This post has been prepared for general information purposes. It is not advice. The information presented may not fit your unique situation, please consult one of our trusted business advisors at RHN CPA for further clarification and interpretation of your particular circumstances.