A timely wake-up call
Avoid the dangers of fraudulent phone calls
If you receive a mysterious phone call from CRA, the RCMP or any other entity threatening penalties and looking for your tax information, consider the call suspicious.
"That's not how these organizations operate," explains Collins Barrow Ottawa partner Rosa Maria Iuliano. "If you're getting a call from CRA or the RCMP, there's a very good chance you're being deceived. When confronted with the promise of hefty fines and penalties related to your taxes, it's always tempting to co-operate in an effort to negotiate the problem away but there's no reason you should place trust in an unfamiliar caller."
The best way to deal with any phone call regarding your taxes is to (a) keep all your personal information (including your affiliation with Collins Barrow) to yourself, (b) immediately contact your CB advisor and (c) let us take it from there. As your advisor, this is why we're here to give advice when you need it. Even if the person calling you claims to be from Collins Barrow, there is a chance you are being deceived. Rather than answer their questions, call them back at the number you would ordinarily use, ensuring you are genuinely speaking to your trusted advisor.
You can learn more about fraud situations and ways to protect yourself from CRA and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. However, the best way to protect yourself from fraudulent calls is to be cautious and diligent whenever you answer the phone. Before letting an alarming phone call incite panic, contact Collins Barrow and we will find the solution.
For more guidance, contact us now!
Collins Barrow Ottawa, 613-820-8010, ottawa@collinsbarrow.com
