Residents urged to beware of scam messages asking for personal information
Ontario residents have begun receiving $200 rebate cheques promised by Premier Doug Ford, but officials are warning of scams linked to the payments.
A “scam alert” was issued on Tuesday on the government’s rebate webpage, emphasizing that Ontario will never contact residents by text, email, or phone to request personal information such as:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Bank account details
- Other personal financial information
The warning states, “The Government of Ontario will only contact you directly in response to a question or query about the rebate you initiated.”
The $200 taxpayer rebate is being sent to Ontario residents who:
- Were 18 or older as of December 31, 2023
- Lived in Ontario on that date
- Filed their 2023 Income Tax and Benefit Returns by December 31, 2024
- Are not bankrupt or incarcerated in 2024
Children under 18 will also receive the rebate, typically issued to the parent or guardian who receives the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
Ontario residents should be cautious of fake messages claiming to be from the government and should never provide personal information in response to:
- Unsolicited texts, emails, or phone calls offering a rebate
- Requests to “sign up” for the rebate program
- Fake websites mimicking government portals
To check the status of your rebate or confirm eligibility, visit the official Ontario government website.
The rebate was introduced as part of Ford’s plan to help Ontarians deal with the rising cost of living, including the federal carbon tax and high interest rates. However, critics argue the move is a voter-appeal strategy ahead of a potential snap election.
Regardless of the political implications, Ontarians should remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes attempting to take advantage of the rebate program