subject: Canada Revenue Agency Spam Email Fraud [print this page] As tax season approaches, we are bombarded with the usual spam emails from Canada Revenue Agency that mention special credits or refunds that we can only get if we follow the link listed and submit information online.
The Canada Revenue Agency does not use email to communicate with the public! They communicate through phone, fax and mail but that is about it. Any email that you receive from them is a spam. And the reason that these spams continue to flood our inboxes is because they must work, meaning people must be clicking links that will result in computer viruses. Or worse, filling out personal financing information which will allow a scammer to access personal funds.
Below is one email that apparently came from the Canada Revenue Agency this week. Even if you did not know that the CRA does not use email, there are other clues imbedded in the text. For instance, would the CRA really address you as Holders? Secondly, you will know what your refund was last year because it will be on your copy of the tax return and on your notice of assessment. You probably would have received your refund a few weeks after filing your return too. If you did not receive the amount suggested in the email, that should be another tip off. As well, the Canada Revenue Agency would never write out a dollar amount as 655,55$. The $ will be in front of the amount and a period, not a comma will always separate the dollars and cents. Another clue is that you will probably not remember ever providing your email address to the CRA. And another is that the link itself does not look like it takes you to the Canada Revenue Agency. I dont think the CRA owns the domain susancanhelpme.com.
So take a look below and see the clues yourself. And next time one of these appear in your inbox, DO NOT click the link and DO NOT provide any financial information. If you are unsure if you have received your refund, you can call the CRA and find out.
DEAR HOLDERS,
After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity, we have determined that you are eligible to received a tax refund of 655,55$. Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 3-5 days in order to process it.
Click here to submit your tax refund request
Note : A refund can be delayed a variety of reasons, for example submitting invalid records or applying after deadline.
Copyright Canada Revenue Agency. All rights reserved. www.cra-arc.gc.ca
By Sara Feldstein
by: Mark Feldstein, CA, Mark Feldstein and Associates
