CRA refund texts and emails around tax season
Messages about a waiting refund or an account problem link to a fake CRA login page that steals your details.
How it works
These messages spike from February to May. They say "claim your refund" or "update your account" and link to a page that looks exactly like the CRA sign-in. Entering your details gives scammers your SIN, banking information, or CRA login. The CRA never sends refunds by e-transfer or text, and never pressures you to click a link to avoid a penalty.
The tell: A refund you did not apply for, waiting behind a link. The CRA never sends refunds by text or e-transfer.
What to do
- Delete the message. Do not click the link, even out of curiosity.
- Check your real CRA account by typing canada.ca into your browser yourself.
- If you entered details on a fake page, call your bank, then report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Sources
If this has already happened to you, our scam recovery visit can lock down your accounts and devices. And if you are just not sure whether something is a scam, asking us is always free.