Benefit cheque scam targeting Ontario residents

A benefit payment scam is targeting residents in Ontario and across Canada.

In this latest scam, fraudsters claim the Canada Revenue Agency is sending extra payments to low-income seniors, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Agency said in a post on X.

Websites post false information describing the benefits, the agency said on its website.

The websites urge seniors to click on links to join Telegram or WhatsApp instant messaging groups.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Agency advises people to only refer to official Government of Canada web pages and provincial or territorial government’s official web pages for information about government benefits.

There are several legitimate benefits available to seniors and residents but these payments are offered through official websites not social media or other sources.

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Don’t click on any links and don’t join instant messaging groups promising to offer benefits, the agency advises.

There are many other scams, which use the allure of benefits and payments from the government to trick people. Canada Revenue Agency, Carbon Rebate, Old Age Pension, GST/HST refund and grocery rebates are some of the common names used in scams.

Fraudsters use Government of Canada logos in text messages. Check official government sites — the federal website for benefits is here.

Warning signs of a scam include refunds sent by e-transfer or text message, demanding immediate payment via e-transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency, threats or aggressive language and requests for personal or financial information in a voicemail or email.

For more information see the Canadian Anti-Fraud Agency website here.

#kNOwfraud #showmetheFRAUD #BeScamSmart https://t.co/i09B8gC4B6

— Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (@canantifraud) August 20, 2024

Lead photo: Zen Chung