The headline above may sound scary, but unfortunately, it is a reality for many individuals targeted by the Grocery Rebate scam. Scammers posing as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are sending unsolicited emails and text messages claiming to be related to the upcoming Grocery Rebate, with a link to click on for more information.
However, clicking on the link could lead you to a fraudulent website to steal your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number (SIN), and banking information. It is important to recognize the signs of this scam and take steps to protect yourself.
The fraudulent message claims to be from the CRA and contains a link. In the March Budget 2023, the federal government announced it would provide new, targeted inflation relief to Canadians hardest hit by rising food prices. Budget 2023 proposes introducing a one-time Grocery Rebate, providing $2.5 billion in targeted inflation relief for 11 million low and modest-income Canadians and families.
However, the Grocery Rebate will be delivered to eligible individuals after the legislation has been enacted, and the CRA will not contact individuals through unsolicited emails or text messages.
If you receive an email or text message claiming to be from the CRA about the Grocery Rebate, do not reply or click on the link provided. Clicking on the link could lead you to a fraudulent website designed to steal your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number (SIN), and banking information.
If you believe you have been a victim of this scam and your CRA account information has been compromised, it is important to act quickly to minimize the damage. Here are the steps to take if you are a victim of a scam or fraud and believe your CRA account information has been compromised:
- Contact your financial institution: Inform your bank or credit card company about the scam and ask them to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
- Contact the CRA: Report the scam to the CRA by calling their dedicated line for individual taxpayers at 1-800-959-8281. The CRA may also ask you to complete a report outlining the details of the scam.
- Update your passwords: If you click the link in the fraudulent message, immediately change your passwords for all your online accounts, including your email, social media, and banking accounts.
- Check your credit report: Request a copy from a major credit bureau and review it for unauthorized activity.
Remember always to be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages or emails claiming to be from the CRA. The CRA will never ask for your personal information, such as your SIN or banking information, through unsolicited emails or text messages. Protect yourself from scams by verifying the message’s source before clicking on any links or providing any personal information.
If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a message, contact the CRA directly to verify. These steps can help protect your personal and financial information from scammers and ensure your security.
Download our new mobile app, FRAUDSTER, available on Apple and Android. Stay informed by learning about consumer concerns. Visit www.FraudsterApp.com for more information. Already downloaded FraudsterApp? Click the icon on the home screen to access the training feature.
