“CRA: You have a pending refund, click here.” “Canada Post: Your package is on hold, pay $1.99 to release it.” If you live in Canada, you’ve probably seen texts like these. They’re scams designed to steal your banking details or personal information. Here’s how to spot them in seconds.
5 red flags
- A link to “claim” money or “release” a package. Real refunds go to your bank account through direct deposit or arrive by mail.
- Urgency or threats. “Act within 24 hours,” “you will be arrested,” “final notice.” Pressure is the scammer’s main tool.
- Strange payment methods. The CRA says it will never demand payment by gift cards, prepaid credit cards, cryptocurrency like bitcoin, or Interac e-Transfer.
- A weird web address. Look closely. Real government sites end in canada.ca. Canada Post uses canadapost-postescanada.ca.
- Requests for personal info. SIN, banking passwords or card numbers should never be shared by text.
What to do if you get one
- Don’t click the link and don’t reply, not even “STOP.”
- Forward the text to 7726 (it spells SPAM). Canadian carriers use these reports to block scam numbers.
- Delete it.
- Check for real. Want to see if the CRA owes you money? Sign in to My Account by typing canada.ca into your browser yourself. Tracking a package? Type the courier’s website in directly.
Already clicked or paid?
- Call your bank right away using the number on the back of your card.
- Change the password on any account you entered.
- Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online.
- Report it to your local police if you lost money.
Station rule
Never trust the link. Always go to the official website or app yourself. Share this with a parent or grandparent. They’re the most targeted.
Sources: Canada Revenue Agency – Scams and fraud · Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by Media Station. Disclosure.