Phone scams › CRA tax scam

CRA Scam Calls: Fake Canada Revenue Agency Threats and Refunds

CRA scam calls impersonate the Canada Revenue Agency, threatening arrest or SIN suspension over fake tax debt, or offering refunds via e-transfer links. The real CRA never threatens immediate arrest, never demands gift cards or crypto, and never sends refunds by e-transfer link or text.

Also known as: CRA arrest call, SIN suspension scam, CRA refund text.

By the LookUpSomeone editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-08-06

Got a suspicious call or text?

Check the Number Before You Call Back

See the owner’s name, carrier, location, and any scam reports in seconds. (May reveal social media profiles, online footprints, pics and more.)

+1

100% confidential lookup - the person you search will not know.

How does the CRA tax scam work?

  1. An aggressive caller or robocall claims you owe the CRA and police are on their way unless you pay now.
  2. Payment is demanded in gift cards, bitcoin, or prepaid cards, sometimes with the caller directing you to a specific ATM.
  3. Refund variants text or email an Interac e-transfer link that harvests your banking login.
  4. Some versions claim your SIN was 'compromised' and transfer you to fake police to collect personal data.

What does the CRA tax scam sound like?

A typical opening, paraphrased from the scripts reported to fraud agencies. Wording varies, but if your call or text follows this shape, treat it as this scam:

Unknown caller Typical example
This is an urgent message from the Canada Revenue Agency. There is a warrant issued under your name for tax fraud, and legal action has begun against you. Local authorities will arrest you within 24 hours unless the outstanding amount is settled today. Press 1 to speak with an agency officer now.

Common variations of this scam

  • Arrest threat call. An aggressive 'CRA officer' claims police are en route and only an immediate payment in bitcoin or prepaid cards stops the arrest.
  • E-transfer refund text. A text or email offers a CRA refund via Interac e-transfer link; the link opens a fake bank-selection page that steals your online banking login.
  • SIN compromised. A caller claims your Social Insurance Number was used in a crime and transfers you to fake police who collect your personal details to 'clear your name'.
  • GST/HST credit text. Around benefit payment dates, texts claim a GST/HST credit is waiting behind a link; the timing makes the fake payout believable.

What are the warning signs?

  • Threats of police, arrest, or deportation over taxes
  • Demands for bitcoin, gift cards, or prepaid cards
  • Interac e-transfer 'refund' links by text or email
  • Claims your SIN is suspended or blocked
  • Pressure to act within hours

Who do these scammers target?

Newcomers to Canada and international students are targeted with arrest and deportation threats before they know how the CRA actually operates. Seniors and benefit recipients are hit with refund and GST-credit lures timed to real payment dates, and everyone gets more of these calls between February and April.

Scammers also spoof local numbers to raise answer rates, so a familiar-looking area code means nothing on its own. If a specific code keeps calling you, check its scam activity in the area code directory.

What should you do?

  1. Hang up. Verify any real balance yourself in CRA My Account at canada.ca or by calling the CRA's published number.
  2. Never click e-transfer refund links; the CRA issues refunds by direct deposit or mailed cheque only.
  3. Report the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) and file with the DNCL if it was telemarketing.
  4. Run the number through a reverse phone lookup to see if it's been reported.
  5. If you shared your SIN, call Service Canada; if you paid or shared banking details, call your bank immediately.

Official reporting: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre · CRA: protect yourself against fraud

How do you protect yourself going forward?

  • Verify any claimed balance yourself in CRA My Account or by calling the CRA's published number; never trust inbound callers.
  • Know how real refunds arrive: direct deposit or mailed cheque, never an e-transfer link.
  • Register for direct deposit and CRA email notifications so you always know your real status.
  • No police force arrests people over taxes on a same-day phone deadline; the threat itself is the tell.

Frequently asked questions

Does the CRA ever phone taxpayers?

Yes, the CRA does make legitimate calls, but it will never threaten arrest, demand gift cards or crypto, request payment by e-transfer link, or ask for your full banking credentials. When unsure, hang up and call the CRA back at its published number.

What does a real CRA refund look like?

Direct deposit to the bank account on file or a mailed cheque. Any refund offered through a text or email link is fraudulent.

Can my SIN really be suspended?

No. Social Insurance Numbers are not suspended. That claim is a script designed to panic you into sharing personal information.

I paid a fake CRA agent in bitcoin. What now?

Report immediately to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Crypto payments are hard to recover, but reports build the case files that lead to takedowns, and your bank should be alerted to watch the linked accounts.

Getting calls from a specific area code? Check its scam activity in the area code directory, or go straight to a reverse phone lookup.