The Winnipeg Police Service has recently received reports from people being financially defrauded by text messages impersonating the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These are called phishing scams.
What is a phishing scam?
- A fake text message to trick people into sharing sensitive info, sending money to cybercriminals or downloading malware (destructive computer software).
What is a CRA phishing scam?
- Many versions of CRA scams exist, where people receive text messages from fake numbers pretending to be the CRA.
- They may offer you a tax refund (these are fake).
- The text message may indicate your account needs to be updated and provide a link to click on and update your info.
- The message may ask for your personal info, such as social insurance number (SIN), date of birth, name, and private online banking info, to receive the refund by e-transfer and to update your account.
The scammers then use this private information to access your financial accounts, withdraw your funds, or receive the money by the e-transfer you send them.
The CRA may contact you for various legitimate reasons by phone but NOT by text message.
They will NOT ask for payments by e-transfer, Bitcoin, gift cards or prepaid credit cards.
How to protect yourself from CRA phishing scams?
- Be aware of the scams that are out there.
- Call the CRA to confirm they previously contacted you if you received a phone message: Individuals 1-800-959-8281 Businesses 1-800-959-5525.
What to do if you have been victimized? How to report a CRA scam?
- If you have been victimized and suffered financial loss, report to police.
- If you report a scam but have not suffered any financial loss, there is no need to file a report with the Winnipeg Police Service. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 to report.