Some residents getting fraud text claiming to be from federal government

Published May 16, 2021 at 8:29 pm

If you’ve gotten a suspicious text recently, you’re advised to ignore it.

Some residents are reporting that they’ve received a fraudulent text message claiming to be from the Canadian government, with a link to confirm access to their online account.

The message looks something like this:

The government has acknowledged these types of scams, which include text messages, phone calls, email, mail, and scams related to prepaid cards, bitcoin, and e-transfer payment scams.

“Many scams and frauds attempt to imitate government services in order to gain access to your personal and financial information,” the federal government warns.

For text messages, the federal government reminds residents that it will never send you texts:

  • For personal information
  • To verify if your Social Insurance Number has been stolen
  • To receive a tax refund
  • To make a payment
  • To receive your Employment Insurance payment

More information on these scams and how to avoid them is listed on the government’s website.

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