Revenue Canada does not want to send you a 386 CAD refund

Some get to play and some have to pay illustration: slapupsidethehead.com

This email arrived several times and while enticing – who doesn’t want an income tax refund – it is a scam.

The subject shows the typical fractured English of the scammers –

Reminder: Please Submit Your Refund Payment.

Is it a refund or a payment – duh!

If Canada Revenue has a refund they will send you a cheque or do a direct deposit if you gave them you account. The  scam email follows the break.

Scam Email

Dear Applicant:

Following an upgrade of our computer systems and review of our records we have investigated your payments and latest tax returns over the last seven years our calculations show you have made over payments of 386.00 CAD Due to the high volume of refunds due you must complete the on line application, the telephone help line is unable to assist with this application.
In order to process your refund you will need to complete the attached application form.
Your refund may take up to 3 weeks to process please make sure you complete the form correctly.
As we are upgrading our records we require the completed form showing your full current details by 01 April 2010

Please submit the form attached to confirm the refund.

Honourable S H
Senior Manager
Canada Revenue Agency

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© Copyright 2010, Canada Revenue Agency All rights reserved.
TAX REFUND ID: A20R028