The Canada Revenue Agency is providing some tips on how to avoid scams and fraud, as March is fraud prevention month.
Some behaviors that scammers might display are being insistent that you share your personal or financial information, trying to get you to act quickly, or intimidate you by using threatening or coercive language. They might try and lead you to a fake website asking you to verify your identity, as well.
The CRA says they will never take part in any of those actions. They will never demand immediate payment by e-transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency. They will also never threaten you with arrest, deportation, or a police visit. The CRA will not leave voicemails that include personal or financial information, and they will not email or text links to refunds.
If you think you’ve been scammed, the CRA advises you to contact the local police service, your financial institution, and credit reporting agencies.