False claims about new government payments are circulating online, prompting a warning from the Canada Revenue Agency about disinformation tied to federal benefits.
The agency says posts promoting a one-time $680 payment or a $2,000 relief payment are not legitimate. It directs Canadians to use official federal and provincial websites for accurate information.
The CRA lists examples of current benefit- and tax-related scams, including messages that use the names of real federal programs. According to the agency, scammers have been sending emails, texts or instant messages about the Home Accessibility Tax Credit, the Disability Tax Credit, the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit and Old Age Security. The messages may contain a link and a code. The CRA says people should not click the link or reply.
The agency also lists false claims circulating on websites promoting new federal payments. It says there is no financial relief payment of $2,000 by direct deposit, no $680 one-time payment for rent support, no $533 inflation payment and no $3,900 one-time payment for rising costs.
The CRA says there is disinformation online claiming individuals can apply for a new Grocery Rebate. It says there is no new Grocery Rebate, and that the only payment was issued in July 2023 based on 2021 adjusted family net income.
Other impersonation scams flagged by the agency involve the Canada Carbon Rebate, fraudulent text messages offering e-transfer deposits using the...
Local News False claims about new government payments are circulating online, prompting a warning from the Canada Revenue Agency about disinformation tied to federal benefits. The agency says post...