According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), grocery rebate scams are circulated through texts and emails, urging recipients to request payment or fill out forms.
An example of a phrasing used by scammers and shared by agencies is “Click here to complete the form to receive payment”.
The CRA said these messages are fake and should not be clicked.
CRA encourages recipients to be wary of notices that request personal or financial information.and Tweet “Grocery rebates will be offered after legislation is enacted,” he said.
A one-time grocery rebate proposed in this year’s federal budget is intended to help Canadians amid inflation in commodities and essentials.
The benefits will be sent through the GST rebate system if a bill implementing it is passed in the House of Commons.
The proposal includes a one-time grocery rebate providing $2.5 billion to 1 million low- and middle-income Canadians and their families.
Eligible couples with two children receive up to $467, single Canadians without children up to $234, and seniors up to $225.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center, there were 6,610 fraud reports and 3,923 victims of fraud in January.
If you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at toll-free 1-888-495-8501 or fraud reporting system.
