Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated — and they often impersonate trusted institutions like your bank or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These scams can look convincing, sound urgent, and arrive by email, text, phone call, or even mail.
At TNT Books, we regularly see clients receive suspicious messages and wonder: Is this real? Knowing the warning signs can help protect your money, your identity, and your peace of mind.
Below are key ways to recognize fraudulent requests and what to do if you receive one.
Common Red Flags to Watch For
1. Urgent or Threatening Language
Scammers rely on panic. Messages may claim:
Your account will be frozen
You owe back taxes immediately
Legal action or arrest is imminent
Benefits will be cancelled unless you act now
Legitimate banks and the CRA do not threaten arrest, demand immediate payment, or pressure you to act instantly.
2. Requests for Personal or Login Information
Fraudulent messages often ask for:
SIN numbers
Online banking usernames or passwords
One-time verification codes
Credit card details
Neither your bank nor the CRA will ask for sensitive information by email, text, or unsolicited phone calls.
3. Unusual Payment Requests
Be very cautious if you’re asked to pay:
By gift cards
By cryptocurrency
By wire transfer
Through e-transfer to a personal email address
The CRA does not accept these forms of payment.
4. Suspicious Links or Email Addresses
Watch for:
Misspelled sender names or domains
Links that don’t match official websites
Generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name
When in doubt, do not click. Go directly to the official website by typing it into your browser.
How the CRA Actually Communicates
The CRA typically contacts taxpayers by:
Mail (especially for formal notices)
Secure messages within your CRA My Account
Phone calls (but they will never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest)
If you’re unsure, log in to CRA My Account or call the CRA using the phone number listed on their official website — not the one provided in the message.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Request
Pause. Don’t click, reply, or provide information.
Verify independently. Contact your bank or the CRA using official contact details.
Report the scam.
CRA scams: report to the CRA and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Banking scams: notify your financial institution immediately
Let your accountant know. Especially if the message relates to taxes, payroll, or business accounts.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
Business owners are frequent targets because scammers know:
You manage multiple accounts
You deal with payroll and remittances
You may expect CRA communication
One wrong click can lead to financial loss or data breaches. Staying cautious is part of protecting your business.
Need a Second Opinion?
If you receive a message claiming to be from the CRA or your bank and aren’t sure if it’s legitimate, TNT Books is happy to help you assess it. A quick check can prevent a costly mistake.
Staying informed is one of the best defenses against fraud — and we’re here to help you stay protected.