Government impersonation (CRA / IRS): how they work and how to spot them

Updated October 2026 · 4 minute read

A caller or text claims you owe taxes, your SIN is suspended, or there's a warrant for your arrest, and you must pay immediately.

How the scam works

Like almost every scam, this one follows a three step script:

The hook. Something believable lands in front of you: a message, a call, an ad or a new "friend".
The pressure. Urgency, fear, excitement or secrecy, so you act before you think or talk to anyone.
The payment. A method that can't be reversed: gift cards, crypto, a Bitcoin ATM, or an e-Transfer to a stranger.

Spot any one of those three steps and you can stop the whole thing.

Threats of arrest or deportation
Payment by gift card, crypto or Bitcoin ATM
Demands you stay on the line
Pressure to keep it secret or to act right now.
Any request for gift cards, crypto, a Bitcoin ATM or an e-Transfer to a person's name.

Hang up. Government agencies never demand gift cards or crypto. Call the agency back using the number on their official website.

Call your bank or card issuer right away and ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
Change any password you entered, and turn on two step verification.
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) in Canada, or reportfraud.ftc.gov in the US.
File a police report and keep every message, receipt and screenshot.
Watch out for "recovery" offers. Anyone promising to get your money back for a fee is running a second scam.

Bank fraud department call: Caller claims to be your bank's fraud team and asks you to move money to a 'safe account'.
Arrest warrant call: Fake police say you'll be arrested unless you pay a fine right now.
Immigration threat: Caller says your immigration status has a problem and demands payment.
Utility disconnection: Fake hydro or gas company threatens to cut power within the hour.
SIN suspended call: Robocall says your SIN is frozen due to criminal activity.
Amazon or Apple charge call: 'Did you authorize a $999 iPhone purchase?' leading to remote access or payment.

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