How do I know if a CRA call is a scam?
CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) scam calls are one of the most common fraud types in Canada. Scammers call pretending to be CRA agents, claiming you owe back taxes and will be arrested unless you pay immediately. The real CRA does not work this way. The real CRA will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. The real CRA will never threaten immediate arrest. The real CRA will give you time to verify the debt. The real CRA will always allow you to call them back at their official number: 1-800-959-8281. If you receive a threatening call from someone claiming to be the CRA, hang up. Do not call back any number they provide.
What to do
- Hang up immediately — do not engage or argue with the caller.
- Do not call back any number the caller gives you.
- If you think you may genuinely owe taxes, call the CRA directly: 1-800-959-8281.
- Report the scam call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501.
- Tell a trusted family member about the call.
- Remember: CRA sends official notices by mail first, not by phone.
The 3-Second Rule
The real CRA will never demand gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Never threaten arrest. Never refuse to let you call them back. Any of these = scam.
Important Warning
These calls can be very convincing and frightening. Scammers use spoofed phone numbers that look like real CRA numbers. If you feel afraid — that is the scam working. Hang up.
Learn More
Go deeper with our full lesson: Module 2: The Security Shield.