Just got a message saying your Canada Child Benefit or other CRA payment is under review? It could be real—CRA does reach out for missing documents or updates—but it’s also a common scam target, especially for new immigrants.

The key is to never click links in unsolicited emails or texts. Even if the message looks official, it might be fake. Instead, go directly to the official CRA website or log in to your My Account using the direct URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/my-account.html.

If you see a notice in your My Account dashboard, that’s the real deal. But if you’re unsure, don’t respond. Wait a few days and check again. Sometimes the message appears after a system update or tax return processing.

Also, keep in mind: CRA won’t ask for your full SIN, banking details, or passwords via email. If they need more info, they’ll send a letter by mail or show it in your online account.

Have you ever received a CRA review notice? How did you verify it? Was it from an official source or something you had to double-check?

What steps do you take when you get a message about your benefits? Do you always check My Account first—or do you sometimes reply right away? Share your experience so others can learn from your situation.