While calls from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are rare, don’t hang up the next time you get a call from them as they may be actual employees and not scam calls.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, CRA has suspended many collections and compliance activities, according to a media statement from the government agency.
However, the agency will be resuming these activities in phases by potentially calling residents starting September.
Canadians who owe payments, need payment arrangements and options re-evaluated, and have tax obligations may be called.
CRA will also be calling people for clarification on documents related to their tax and benefit return.
“The CRA aims to be completely transparent and proactive in identifying activities that are resuming,” said CRA in a media statement, adding that a full list of CRA’s return to business activities are posted on their website.
The agency acknowledges there are many scammers pretending to be them and ask Canadians to be wary and question the callers.
“To protect yourself from scams, it’s important to know when and how the CRA might contact you,” said CRA in the statement.
“Legitimate CRA employees who contact Canadians will identify themselves as CRA agents and provide their name and a telephone number.”
Canadians who receive calls from alleged CRA employees are told to verify the caller’s identify by asking their name, phone number and office location.
Calls can also be checked by contacting the CRA back at various department numbers.
Residents who believe they have received a potential scam call or are a potential victim of fraud are asked to report it at www.antifraudcentreca or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
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