The phone number 1-833-325-1023 is a toll-free number associated with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). While the number itself is legitimate, it’s important to be aware of a common scam tactic.
Based on the official CRA website, this number is a part of their automated service line and is used to provide assistance with various tax-related matters, including:
- Checking the status of your tax return or refund.
- Finding out your CRA account balance.
- Getting a proof of income statement or a Notice of Assessment (NOA).
While the number itself is legitimate, it’s important to be aware of a common scam tactic. Scammers often spoof official phone numbers to make their calls appear genuine. The CRA will never:
- Ask for your social insurance number (SIN) over the phone.
- Demand immediate payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- Threaten you with legal action or arrest.
If you received an unexpected call from this number, be cautious. It’s always best to hang up and call the official CRA number yourself to verify any information.
How to Report a CRA Scam
The official way to report a scam or identity theft is through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). This is the central agency that collects information on fraud and identity theft in Canada.
- By Phone: Call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. They are available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm ET.
- Online: Use the official CAFC reporting system to submit your report.
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If You’ve Given Information or Money
If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam and provided personal or financial information, take these steps immediately:
Call the CRA:
- If you think your CRA account has been compromised, contact the CRA’s specialized line for scams and identity theft at 1-833-995-2336. This number is for reporting potential fraud on your account, such as unauthorized changes to your address or banking information
Contact Your Financial Institution:
- Inform your bank or credit card company immediately if you have provided any financial details. They can help you monitor for suspicious activity and cancel your card if necessary
Report to Local Police:
- File a report with your local police department.
Notify Service Canada:
- If you gave out your Social Insurance Number (SIN), contact Service Canada at 1-866-274-6627 to report the issue and request assistance.
How to Verify if a CRA Call is Legitimate
The CRA advises that you can verify the authenticity of a call by asking for the caller’s name, phone number, and office location, and then calling back one of the official CRA numbers to confirm their identity.
- For Individuals: 1-800-959-8281
- For Businesses: 1-800-959-5525
A legitimate CRA agent will respect your need to verify their identity and will not use threats or demand immediate payment via unusual methods.
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