‘CRA annual return’ scam targets residents in Mississauga and Brampton

Did you get a text from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recently? Watch out — it’s not real.

The text message is a scam that’s recently been targeting local residents, telling them their Ontario Trillium Benefit has been processed and that they can claim an “annual return” of several hundred dollars.

The message prompts the recipient to click on a link:

Residents are warned that this message, and any similar message offering residents a return or refund, is fraudulent.

“Do not reply to the text message or send them any personal information. The CRA will not use text messages or instant messages to start a conversation with you about your refund,” according to the CRA.

Anyone who receives the scam is advised to delete it and avoid clicking the link.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which keeps tabs on major scams and fraud incidents, advises residents to never share personal information with unverified people or groups.

That includes information such as your name, address, birth date, social insurance number, and credit card or banking information.

More fraud prevention tips related to tax payments are available on the CRA’s website.