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Canada Revenue Agency Warns of Rising Benefit Scams Targeting Canadians
False claims about new government payments are circulating online, prompting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to issue a warning about disinformation related to federal benefits.
According to the agency, social media posts promoting a one-time $680 payment or a $2,000 relief payment are completely fabricated. The CRA is urging Canadians to rely exclusively on official federal and provincial websites for accurate information about legitimate government benefits.
The agency has identified several current benefit and tax-related scams that use sophisticated tactics to appear legitimate. Scammers are increasingly sending emails, text messages, and instant messages that reference actual federal programs such as the Home Accessibility Tax Credit, the Disability Tax Credit, the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit, and Old Age Security. These deceptive communications often include links and verification codes, which the CRA strongly advises the public not to click or engage with.
The list of fraudulent claims circulating online has grown substantially in recent months. The CRA specifically notes there is no $2,000 financial relief payment by direct deposit, no $680 one-time payment for rent support, no $533 inflation payment, and no $3,900 one-time payment for rising costs – all of which have been promoted on various websites.
Disinformation about a new “Grocery Rebate” has also gained traction online. The CRA clarifies that no new Grocery Rebate exists, and the only legitimate payment under this name was issued in July 2023, based on 2021 adjusted family net income figures.
The agency has also flagged numerous impersonation scams including fraudulent messages about the Canada Carbon Rebate and deceptive text messages offering e-transfer deposits that feature the Government of Canada logo. These scams typically direct unsuspecting victims to links that mimic financial institution sign-in pages to steal personal information.
Pension recipients have become particular targets of these scams. The CRA reports that fraudulent texts referencing Canada Pension Plan or Old Age Security information are directing people to fake CRA and banking pages. Low-income seniors are especially vulnerable, with scammers creating false websites or instant-messaging groups designed to exploit them.
Other sophisticated scam techniques include attempts to access CRA accounts, identity theft cases involving fake tax returns, emails claiming tax documents are ready for review, and messages that include personal information to build credibility with potential victims.
The agency warns that phone scams remain prevalent, with scammers using technology to “spoof” local or official numbers. These callers often pose as CRA agents and make aggressive demands for payment or personal details, using fear tactics to manipulate victims.
Additional schemes identified by the CRA include those tied to emergencies or disasters, cryptocurrency transfer requests to supposedly cancel RCMP warrants, “recovery-room” pitches promising to retrieve lost funds, and phishing messages offering tax refunds.
Amid this wave of scams, several legitimate federal benefit payments are scheduled in the coming weeks. The Canada Disability Benefit is set for December 18, 2025, with subsequent payments on January 15 and February 19, 2026. The next GST/HST credit payment will be issued on January 5, 2026, while the Canada Child Benefit is scheduled for December 12, 2025, followed by payments on January 20 and February 20, 2026. Those receiving the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit should expect the upcoming payment on January 12, 2026.
The CRA’s warning comes at a time when economic pressures make many Canadians particularly vulnerable to promises of financial relief, highlighting the importance of verifying information through official government channels.
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6 Comments
It’s unfortunate that scammers are taking advantage of people during difficult times. The CRA’s warning is a valuable heads-up for Canadians to be vigilant and protect themselves from these fraudulent activities.
This is a good reminder to be wary of any unsolicited claims about government payments or benefits, no matter how legitimate they may seem. Fact-checking with the CRA is the best way to avoid falling victim to these scams.
Fraudulent benefit claims can be very convincing, but the CRA is right to urge Canadians to rely only on official government sources. It’s crucial to be cautious and not fall for these scams.
It’s concerning to see scammers taking advantage of government benefits and spreading false claims online. The CRA is right to warn Canadians about these fraudulent activities and to rely only on official sources for information.
I’m glad the CRA is proactively addressing this issue. Scams can be sophisticated and it’s important for the public to stay vigilant and verify any claims about new or increased government payments.
Absolutely. Scammers are getting more creative, so we all need to double-check before engaging with any unsolicited offers or messages related to benefits or tax credits.