A call from CRA or IRCC? Be careful
First month · Home, children, work and language
Scammers target newcomers with threats and pressure.
- What to do
- Nowhere to go: hang up and check with the agency yourself through its official website.
- What to bring
- No documents
- Never give your SIN or bank details over the phone
- What to do, step by step
- Anyone threatening deportation or arrest: hang up.
- Government never asks for gift cards, crypto or transfers to personal accounts.
- Don’t click links in messages about refunds or fines.
- Log in to your CRA or IRCC account yourself to check.
- Report the fraud to the official agency.
Note: CRA doesn’t contact you on WhatsApp or Messenger, and doesn’t send refunds by e-transfer or text.
Official sources · Last checked: IRCC · Fraud targeting newcomersCRA · Recognize a scamIRCC · Report fraud