Canada Emergency Response Benefit scams
The Government of Canada will not reach out by text or email to ask you to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Nor will the Government notify you by text or email that you have received a CERB payment.
There are only 2 ways to apply for the CERB:
- online at Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), or
- by phone at 1-833-966-2099, for those who do not have Internet access
When in doubt, contact 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) and ask them to verify the validity of any communication you have received (including government websites).
What to do when in doubt
If you have been unexpectedly contacted by someone who claims to be a Service Canada employee and are doubtful of their identity, contact the 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) service. In particular, if the person who contacted you claimed to be an investigator, the agent will verify whether their name is on the list of Service Canada investigators. As required, the agent will refer you directly to the program or service that tried to reach you so that you can obtain more information.