Tax benefit scam now circulating in Ontario

Police warn of a tax benefit scam circulating in Ontario and across Canada.

An email circulating now tells people that they have received a tax return document, according to a post from the Canada Revenue Agency, which was reposted by the Peel Regional Police.

The email prompts people to click a button or link to review the document.

“These are phishing scams attempting to collect your personal, financial, or login information after you click the link,” the CRA says on its website.

This can be confusing because the CRA does send emails when something is available to view in the taxpayer’s account online — known as the “CRA My Account.”

However, these notification emails will not contain a button or link leading a person to fill in an online form with personal or financial details, the CRA notes.

The agency advises people not click any buttons, links, or reply to the message, and do not share any personal or financial information. This is a phishing scam and an attempt to get personal information.

The CRA will also never send refunds by e-transfer or text message, nor will they demand or pressure immediate payment via e-transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid credit cards or gift cards.

They also won’t threaten to deport or arrest you, or put you in prison, use aggressive or threatening language, set up an in-person meeting in a public location to collect a payment, charge a fee to speak with a call centre agent, or ask for personal or financial information in a voicemail or email.

For more information see the Canada Revenue Agency page here.

🚨 Scam alert! 🚨

There is an email phishing scam circulating that says you have received a tax return document. It contains a button or a link to review the document. It’s a #scam!

Find out more ➡️ https://t.co/xNLKvl3CZP #CdnTax pic.twitter.com/3EOpWPVg8Q

— Canada Revenue Agency (@CanRevAgency) November 13, 2024

Lead photo: Cup of Couple