The Taxi Scam

The Toronto Police Service and Investigators from the Financial Crimes Unit want to help so you #DontGetScammed by a Tax Scam. Have you received a text, email or phone call from the Canada Revenue Agency? Commonly referred to as the CRA, scammers pose as the government agency claiming you’re eligible for a tax refund or tax credit. But they ask for your personal information and bank details for you to claim the money. Or they claim that you owe money and make demands for payment and sometimes they ask for payment in gift cards. The scammers may ask you to reply to the message or to click on a link to complete an application form to receive the refund or credit. The messages will have a sense of urgency with an immediate deadline and the goal is to get you to reply or to click on a link. The real CRA will never text you about your taxes, benefits, or CRA’s My Account. The police, government agencies, and reputable companies will never demand payment with gift cards. Protect yourself by: • Never replying to text messages or emails claiming it’s the CRA • Never clicking on a link to complete a form for a refund or credit • Never paying with gift cards from someone claiming it’s the CRA If you are a victim of a CRA Scam, report the fraud to police. Visit tps.ca/fraud for more information and tips so you #DontGetScammed