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Identity Theft Alert: Canadians Warned of Tax Scam

by Tina Kells | February 20, 2009 at 10:25 am

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Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) wants to alert all Canadians to a tax scam that could put them at risk for identity theft. It is tax return season in Canada and the scam is taking advantage of this to target taxpayers.

The scam works like this: a letter is sent in the mail telling a target that their tax return can not be processed due to "insufficient information." The letter directs the taxpayer to fill out a form that includes details on every piece of identification imaginable; like banking information and passport numbers.

CRA wants Canadians to know that banking information is never required when filing tax returns and is totally optional and is only used if a direct deposit or withdraw is requested by the taxpayer. Passport data is also not routinely required when filing a standard tax form.

If you receive any sort of communication that appears to have come from the CRA or the Canadian government do not respond to any of the phone numbers or other contact information listed on the letter. Instead look up your local Revenue Canada phone number in the phone book, or call 1-888-495-8501, to discuss any information you receive by mail. Your local office will be able to tell you if the letter you get is legitimate or potentially fraudulent.

This is what the fake letter looks like (link in PDF form)

For more information please call 1-888-495-8501, email info@phonebusters.com or visit the phonebusters.com website.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning taxpayers to beware of a recent scam where some Canadians are receiving a letter fraudulently identified as coming from the CRA and asking for personal information. The letter is not from the CRA. A PDF version of the letter is available on the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/alert.

The letter claims that there is “insufficient information” for the individual’s tax return and that in order to receive any “claims,” they will have to update their records. The letter attaches a form specifically requesting the individual’s personal information in writing, via fax or email, including information on bank accounts and passports. This letter is not from the CRA and Canadians should not provide their personal information to the sender.