Unfortunately, we see this more and more these days in the digital world we live in.  Scammers prey on the fact that people are generally intimidated by CRA.  They call under the guise of being CRA officials. They can claim there is a warrant out for your arrest or that they are sending RCMP for unpaid taxes owing. The CRA  does not generally work with law enforcement.  If you were in this much trouble you would have copious amounts of correspondence from CRA first.  Also, it would be for a more serious actual crime like fraud, embezzlement from CRA or killing a CRA agent not just missing your taxes.  CRA cares about getting their money but there are much easier ways to get it from you like freezing your accounts or simply taking it from your account with a demand letter to your bank.

When you receive a call from someone perpetrating to be from CRA do the following:

1. Ask for the CRA agent ID (If they give you a bogus one, you’ll know on a call back)
2. Ask for a call back number and google it (most numbers will come back as a scam)
3. Divulge very little information. Do not give out personal information.
4. If you have an accountant simply ask them to contact them. CRA will have the information on file and won’t need to ask you for it.
5. Do not send money by bitcoin or gift cards (CRA does not accept these as payment)
6. Call back the individual(1-800-959-8281) or business CRA lines(1-800-959-5525) to confirm the information on the call.

The CRA will never send you text messages.  They will only send an email to notify you of online mail but not reveal and or ask for any information.  They still use fax machines for Pete’s sake. CRA will also never threaten you with arrest or prison. At the end of the day do a gut check.  If you have a good accountant, you likely don’t have cause for CRA to call and harass you for money. Their main form of correspondence is snail mail. Be vigilant and skeptical when receiving a call from CRA.