Another Tax Season, Another Scam: Texts Include User’s SIN But Aren’t From Canada Revenue Agency

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has issued a scam alert about fraudulent texts that claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency. Unsplash.com

Scammers are taking advantage of the new tax season to con Canadians out of their hard-earned money.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has issued a scam alert after receiving multiple reports about fraudulent text messages that claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency.

The texts include the recipient’s full name and social insurance number (SIN) as well as a request that payment of outstanding taxes be sent via e-transfer to a phone number.

“Remember that the Canada Revenue Agency will never ask for a payment via text message,” the agency said in a Feb. 26 post. “If you have been part of a breach or a victim of identity theft, fraudsters will use the information as a tool to steal your money.”

This type of scam is known as “phishing.” Scammers use phishing techniques to get victims to send money or to obtain personal information such as banking information so they can steal money or commit fraud.

Most scammers will pretend to be a government agency or a well-known business such as a credit card company that is getting in touch about a lack of payment or other service issue.

The CAFC also warns against clicking on links or downloading attachments which are likely a bid to infect your device with a virus or malware.

Scams on the Rise

Canadians were cheated out of $567 million in 2023, an increase of $37 million since the previous year and a jump of $187 million since 2021, according to CAFC stats.

The CAFC is working with the Competition Bureau and the RCMP this month to raise awareness about digital fraud both to educate Canadians about how to spot a scam, but also to encourage victims to come forward. The agency said despite the large increase in scams last year, only 5 to 10 percent of cases are actually reported.

Competition Commissioner Matthew Boswell said it’s important Canadians recognize online scamming for what it is.

“While technology has become mainstream for many Canadians for a broad range of day-to-day activities, fraudsters have also used it to enhance their tricks,” he said in a Feb. 29 press release. “With scams now more convincing than ever, staying informed is key to stay ahead of emerging frauds.”

To avoid being the victim of online fraud, the CAFC recommends Canadians avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited messages and watch for spelling mistakes that often indicate an overseas scam.

The agency also advises against trusting a message simply because the email address looks legitimate, adding that fraudsters often spoof email addresses to lend credibility to their scam.