It’s usually something that seems to require action—pay a bill, confirm info, click a link. And that moment of hesitation? That’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

While CRA scams have been around for years, a new wave of phishing scams is targeting potential victims by impersonating more localized services—anything from BC Hydro to your local library. Since most people are familiar with how the CRA typically communicates, scammers are shifting tactics and seeing more success with less-familiar names. It’s the same trick, just with a new mask—and unfortunately, it’s working.

The good news? The defense hasn’t changed:

If you didn’t expect the contact, don’t trust the request. If something feels even a little off—don’t click, don’t reply, don’t pay. Instead, look up the agency’s official contact info (phone, email, website, or visit in person) and verify every detail directly with them.

Red Flags to Watch For:

📬 Unsolicited messages about bills, tax refunds, or fines
⚠️ Urgent demands to act now or face penalties
🔗 Links with slightly altered URLs
🛑 Requests for personal info, passwords, or payment by e-transfer/gift cards

Protect Yourself:

⏸ Pause before reacting—real agencies don’t rush you 🔍 Verify directly—use the official website or contact info 🧐 Hover (don’t click!) to preview where a link actually leads

Think it’s a scam?

Report it to the impersonated organization—and to us at StellerVista.com/Fraud.

Be cautious. Be confident. Be safe.