Lori Mc Gregor Income Tax Services

Cra has sent out the following scam alerts.
Please read and take note of the following:

Being aware of the latest scams and techniques that threat actors are using to commit fraud will help protect you and your clients against information theft and financial loss. The CRA's Scams and fraud web page and social media platforms share updates and information about scams and fraudulent activities. Below are some of the latest scams.

1. CRA payment scam by text message: A text message of an image with the Government of Canada logo claiming to be from the CRA offering a fraudulent Interac® e-transfer deposit. A separate text message containing a link to a realistic impersonation of a sign-in portal for financial institutions is sent.
2. Messages containing personal information: A message claiming to be from the CRA, requesting a payment or containing a link. It includes personal information such as your name, date of birth, or Social Insurance Number.
3. GST/HST tax refund/credit scam: Claiming to be the CRA, the threat actor sends you a text message or an email about giving you a GST/HST tax refund or credit. You are asked to provide personal information to proceed.
4. Scam to access CRA accounts: The threat actor sends a text message claiming to be the CRA to gain access to your CRA accounts. Message will say there is an error with your account, which will need to be updated. You are asked to text back “HELP”, then may be asked to provide personal information.
5. Identity theft and fraudulent tax returns: Threat actors gather personal information (such as user ID and passwords) and file fake tax returns in your name.

As we are going into a new tax season soon please be aware of these scams. Every year they get more sophisticated.