Loading ...
Alert: Revenue Canada Imposter
April 27th, 2008 by 
Edward Dron
At the risk of sounding like a gullible lad, I want to share with all my Canadian readers a recent identity theft story.
Last week I received a phone message from “Revenue Canada”. The man on the phone, said that I needed to call them back urgently at 1-800-959-2250 (all RC numbers start with 1-800-959). He added that they are open till 11pm and that I should have my SIN number ready for verification.
I know, I know…but I was tired.
When I dialed the number, I was instantly put on hold. The entire process was very professional. Their on-hold message even said they they might record this for quality assurance.
In the end, I gave them some of my personal information. For some reason after they asked me for my birth date, I got suspecious and told them that I’d call them back. At that point the guy even gave me some sites I should visit to verify the legitimacy of this number! After Googling the number, I found these two sites.
If something similar happens to you, Transunion.ca has some excellent information on how to protect yourself after identity theft. You should also visit consumerinformation.ca and phonebusters.com.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:54 am
Nothing in your post leads to it being a revenue canada imposter…
Why did you come to this conclusion???
February 17th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
1-800-959-2250 is a legitimate number. They contact people who have tax issues to notify them of the situation and to help them resolve it. That number can’t be found online because the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) doesn’t give out the numbers for their collection departments for security purposes. There is actually a RCMP report available online indicating that this number is a scam (http://www.mission.ca/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=971&PageMode=Print) however, the report is incorrect, the officer obviously didn’t do his homework and hopefully it is removed soon because it is false. That number (and others)can be confirmed by calling Service Canada at 1-800 O Canada (1-800-622-6232). If you’re still unsure just visit the CRA website and call their personal or business tax line directly to double check your tax situation. There are many scams out there so remain vigilant however this number is indeed the CRA.
May 7th, 2009 at 10:47 am
do not believe Joe. We have checked this out and have recieved the same call but did not give the woman, named Shiraz, my information. The Police were notified. The number is bogus. And joe must be working with the Scam.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
You must owe the government alot of money and think that not calling back will keep the CRA from collecting from you.
So sorry for you actually.
August 20th, 2009 at 11:19 am
If it’s a scam, why does this number show up on the bottom of your Notice of Assessment? Service Canada (1-800 O CANADA) will verify that this is a legitimate number. They are open until 11:00 because it is the CANADA Revenue Agency and they have to be available to all time zones, as well as people who work 9:00-5:00.
February 18th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Ok People. Hate to be the logical one, but why the hell would someone call you at a unique number (phone number) that they have on file for you, and then say that they need a unique number from you (social insurance number). If they have your phone number and your name, they have all that they need to look you up. I would avoid this one like a plague, and deal in mail. This makes no sense.
May 29th, 2010 at 1:00 am
I received a call similar to this today. I called them back and was instantly put on hold. After I waited for about 3 minutes I decided to call back later (I’m a busy girl). That’s when I realised that at no point during my call back to them was I given the option to have French as a language choice. In fact, even when the call was answered, it only said hello and not bonjour. I have NEVER called a Fed. number and not been given that choice. That’s when I decided that they could send me a letter and I’d respond then. There is no reason for them to be calling me, other than to audit me, and the last time they did that they did it by mail.
Definitely a scam!
May 31st, 2010 at 4:14 pm
CBC just posted this article http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2009/08/21/number-cra.html
Canada Revenue Agency confirms that 1-800-959-2250 is a FRAUD number. It’s Identity Theft. Never give your SIN away to anyone who telephones you. There is no way to verify who they are.
September 21st, 2010 at 6:40 am
arg… i already gave my sin number out. i posted on another site but hoping can help too. what do i do to protect myself? i agreed to do a direct bank deposit and theyre sending me something by mail now.
March 26th, 2011 at 8:34 am
This scam is alive and well as of March 24, 2011.
Be warned.
April 28th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Agree with Gina. Faire attention SVP!!! I received one call of that today (April 28, 2011), I am currently in Montreal. Lucky I checked CRA website to verify this number. Thank you all for the effort!
June 14th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
The number in question belongs to the CRA and is the English line. It is the number listed on the IAS you recieve back from the government following your filing for the past tax year.
To advise others that the number somehow is a scam is fraudulent and could get people put into collection if they do not call back. Collections as you may know would have a negative effect on somebody’s credit rating. Grow up trolls