FRAUD ALERT: Fraud attempt using Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) indicators
An email has again been circulating to members that falsely claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The email will ask the user to send along their social insurance, credit card, bank account and passport numbers to obtain a refund. They are told that until they provide their sensitive personal information, the refund to which they are entitled will not be dispensed. These emails are scams, and should be dismissed immediately. Additional information and examples are available on the CRA website.
According to their website, the CRA will never do the following:
· request personal information of any kind by email;
· divulge taxpayer information to another person unless formal authorization is provided by the taxpayer;
· leave any personal information on an answering machine; or
· ask a taxpayer to call back to a long distance number. CRA contact numbers will always be local or toll-free.
Visit our Fraud section to read more on current reported scams and how to avoid them.
Remember that you must always confirm a prospective client’s identification in accordance with the Client ID Regulations of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.
If you decide to proceed with a transaction, be sure to go to the bank website to verify the branch transit number, address and phone number on the cheque. Wait until the bank confirms that the funds are legitimate and are safe to withdraw from the deposit. Where possible, use the Large Value Transfer System (LVTS), an electronic funds transfer system that allows large payments to be exchanged securely and immediately.
For tips to avoid being victimized, read a list of "Red Flags”, and visit the Fraud section on lians.ca. To report or seek advice on dealing with fraud and scam attempts, contact Cynthia Nield at or 902 423 1300, x346.
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