Protect Yourself Against Fraud

Phishing Scams

The Cyber Centre has seen an increase in reports of malicious actors using the CoronaVirus (COVID-19) in phishing campaigns and malware scams.

The response to COVID-19 is being led by Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), with support from public health officials and agencies across Canada.

For information about COVID-19 please visit the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Outbreak Update page for the most up to date information.

BEWARE OF FAKES
With public concern around COVID-19 growing, there is an increasing number of phishing attempts referencing the virus. Phishing is the act of sending mass emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, but contain malicious attachments or links. The emails are written to trick receivers into opening attachments or clicking on links that permit threat actors to obtain personal credentials, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. There have been recent instances where phishing has been used in attempt to impersonate various health agencies. Malicious cyber actors are quick to take advantage of high profile events, particularly those that cause worry and concern. Visit the Cyber Hygiene for COVID-19 page for more information.

Finance Canada

If you receive a text message that reads: Alert: The emergency response benefit of Canada relief fund has sent you a deposit for, and then lists an amount, do not reply, it is a scam.

Know how to recognize a scam
There are many fraud types, including new ones invented daily.

Taxpayers should be vigilant when they receive, either by telephone, mail, text message or email, a fraudulent communication that claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requesting personal information such as a social insurance number, credit card number, bank account number, or passport number.

These scams may insist that this personal information is needed so that the taxpayer can receive a refund or a benefit payment. Cases of fraudulent communication could also involve threatening or coercive language to scare individuals into paying fictitious debt to the CRA. Other communications urge taxpayers to visit a fake CRA website where the taxpayer is then asked to verify their identity by entering personal information. These are scams and taxpayers should never respond to these fraudulent communications or click on any of the links provided.

To identify legitimate communications from the CRA, be aware of these guidelines and know what to expect when the CRA contacts you .

Read more on the Department of Finance Canada's website .