Carbon benefit scam targets Ontario residents

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Published May 2, 2024 at 9:04 am

carbon rebate scam ontario

A carbon rebate scam is targeting people in Ontario and across Canada.

The Canada Carbon Rebate is a real benefit that eligible residents receive four times a year. Previously known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment, the benefit returns fuel charge proceeds to Canadians.

To be eligible, residents must file income taxes.

However, there are now fraudulent text messages circulating from people claiming to be from the CRA, the Canada Revenue Agency says on its website.

The scammer sends a link for people to claim the Canada Carbon Rebate.

Peel Regional Police posted a warning to residents about the scam on social media.

The Canada Revenue Agency says some of these fraudulent text messages also include images taken from Government of Canada social media accounts to make their scam messages look more legitimate.

“The CRA has identified an uptick of these scams around the CCR’s quarterly payment dates,” they note on the website.

The benefits arrive April 15, July 15, Oct. 15 and Jan. 15.

Anyone who receives this message should refrain from clicking on the link or replying to the text message.

The government does not use text messages or instant messages to start a conversation about taxes, benefits or CRA accounts.

Also, the CRA will not ask you by email or text message to click a link and provide personal or bank information to receive a benefit payment.

If you believe you are a victim of a scam or fraud and believe your CRA account information has been compromised, you can contact the CRA at 1-800-265-2577 or use a secure web form to declare a possible fraud.

You should also contact the CRA if you find changes you did not request to your banking, address, business, or personal information; or if you find a benefit application made for you without your knowledge.

For further information, see the CRA webpage here. 

Lead photo: Porapak Apichodilok

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