3 min
CRA scams: what the real CRA will never do
Quick summary
People behind on taxes are common targets for fake CRA calls and texts. The real CRA never threatens arrest or demands payment by gift card, crypto, or e-transfer. For more, see ourfraud and scam hub.
Checked November 3, 2026. Main source: CRA: Scam alerts (modified Oct. 29, 2026). See all 1 source.
The CRA says it will never
- Send refunds or payments by e-transfer or text message.
- Accept or provide payments in cryptocurrency.
- Demand immediate payment by e-transfer, crypto, prepaid credit cards, or gift cards.
- Threaten arrest, deportation, or prison.
- Use aggressive or threatening language.
- Arrange an in-person meeting in a public place to collect a payment.
- Charge a fee to speak with a call centre agent.
- Ask for personal or financial information in a voicemail or email.
How to check
- Hang up. Then contact the CRA yourself using an official phone number.
- Sign in to My Account to see if you really owe anything.
How to report
- Use the CRA Report a scam or identity theft page, or reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca.
- Tell your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- If you see changes in your CRA account that you did not make, contact the CRA as soon as possible.
Questions people ask
Will the CRA ever threaten to arrest me?
No. The CRA says it never threatens arrest, deportation, or prison.
Does the CRA accept gift cards or crypto?
No. It never demands payment by gift card or cryptocurrency.