You know it’s bad when scammers start messing with your pension. You might be enjoying your morning coffee, and boom—a text pops up saying your Old Age Security (OAS) or pension payments are on hold due to an “error” in your tax return. Spoiler alert: that’s not the CRA texting you, and no, your pension is just fine.
A new scam is circulating, where fraudsters are posing as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), claiming that recipients' pensions and Old Age Security (OAS) payments are on hold. Victims are directed to fake CRA and banking websites that look very real, but are designed to steal personal information.
How It Works:
The scam begins with a text message that looks like it’s from the CRA, telling you that your pension or OAS payments have been suspended due to a supposed error in your tax return. It includes a link that takes you to a site mimicking the CRA or your bank, where you’re asked to enter your personal details to “fix” the problem. Of course, that’s when the trouble really starts.
Who’s Targeted:
This scam mainly targets seniors who receive pensions or OAS payments, but anyone can be a victim. Scammers cast a wide net, hoping to trick vulnerable individuals into revealing their sensitive information.
Real-Life Example:
A Canadian senior recently received one of these texts and, believing it to be legitimate, clicked the link and entered their personal banking information. They later realized their account had been compromised and contacted the authorities. The CRA has confirmed that they will never send such requests by text and advises anyone receiving similar messages to report them.
Impact and Risks:
Why should you care? Falling for this scam could mean losing control of your financial accounts, with scammers potentially draining your savings or using your personal data for identity theft. It’s not just a financial hit—it’s a huge headache trying to fix the damage.
How to Protect Yourself:
Here are a few ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling for this scam:
- Ignore Suspicious Texts: The CRA will never text you about suspended payments or ask for personal information through a text message. If you receive one of these, don’t respond or click any links.
- Verify First: If you’re ever unsure about a message from the CRA, visit their official website or call them directly at a trusted number. Do not use contact info provided in the suspicious text or email.
- Report the Scam: If you receive one of these texts, report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, even if you didn’t fall for it.
- Keep Personal Info Private: Never share your personal or financial details online unless you’re absolutely sure who you’re dealing with.
- Check Your Bank Accounts: Regularly monitor your bank accounts for any unauthorized transactions and report them immediately if you spot something suspicious.
Quick Tips & Updates:
- Quick Tip #1: "Did you know? The CRA will never request personal information via text message. Always verify the source before sharing any details."
- Pro Tip: "If it seems urgent and involves personal info, it's probably a scam. Always double-check!"
Have you or someone you know received one of these fake CRA texts? We’d love to hear your story. Share your experiences with us to help others stay safe!
Stay safe, stay smart, and remember—just because it looks official, doesn’t mean it is. Report any suspicious texts to the CRA and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to keep yourself and others protected.
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Key Terms Explained:
- CRA (Canada Revenue Agency): The government agency responsible for administering tax laws and benefit programs in Canada.
- Phishing: A type of scam where criminals try to steal personal information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity, like a bank or government organization.
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