The Canada Revenue Agency says there’s a scam on the go from people claiming to be representing them.
This one involves a pitch for a payback of money from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) programs.
Revenue Canada warns that the fraudsters may communicate with potential victims via text message, phone call or email.
Another giveaway that it is a scam is the agency will never threaten arrest if you don’t make an immediate payment.
If you get a text message saying you received a deposit for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Beware it is a scam.
Do not reply or click on the link, delete the text and warn others.
Make sure you have the right link or number before you apply.
You can either apply online at Canada.ca/Coronavirus or by automated toll-free phone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041 (bilingual).
The CRA never uses text messages or instant messaging such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to communicate with taxpayers under any circumstance.
If a taxpayer receives text or instant messages claiming to be from the CRA, they are scams.
To report a scam, you can call the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.