Scam texts: Canada Post, CRA, Interac and more

Common Canadian scam texts

• Canada Post or courier: "Your parcel is on hold, pay a small fee." Canada Post doesn't text you asking for payment.
• CRA: "You have a refund", or "You owe taxes, pay now or be arrested." The CRA never asks for gift cards, crypto or e-Transfers, and doesn't threaten arrest.
• Interac e-Transfer: "You've received a deposit, click to accept." Check your bank's own app instead of using the link.
• Your bank: "Your account is locked." Open the banking app directly.
• "Hi Mum, new number": a stranger pretending to be family, who soon asks for money.

What to do

1. Don't tap links or reply, not even "STOP".
2. Forward the text to 7726 (spells SPAM) to report it to your carrier, then delete it.
3. Check directly: track parcels on the carrier's site with your real tracking number, and log in to CRA My Account yourself.

If you already paid or typed details

Call your bank right away, and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501.