Have you been targeted by the CRA phone scam? You may receive a phone call that plays a recording that directs you to a live “agent” in another country. The recording threatens there may be legal action if you do not make payment. Once the live fraudster is on the line, they will use different threats to scare their targets into paying. These threats include: arrest, seizure of bank accounts, loss of employment, and more. If you choose to pay, the fraudsters may reduce the fine if you pay immediately. They will tell you where and how to pay and even provide tips to get the payment through in cases where a service representative is suspicious.
IF YOU RECEIVE A CRA SCAM CALL HANG UP IMMEDIATELY. THE CRA WILL NEVER DEMAND PAYMENT OVER THE PHONE, THREATEN YOU OR LEAVE PERSONAL INFORMATION ON YOUR VOICEMAIL. YOU CAN EITHER PHONE THE CRA DIRECTLY AT 1-800-959-8281 OR CONTACT US TO ENSURE YOUR ACCOUNT IS FREE OF ANY BALANCES OR FINES.
For more information, the following link provides a much more in depth investigation into the CRA phone scam: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/cra-phone-tax-scam-marketplace-1.4830141