Protect yourself against EI scam

Please be advised that this site is not affiliated with the Service Canada office.
It was created to provide general EI information only.

Know how to recognize a scam claiming to be from Service Canada or 1 800 O-Canada

There are many sophisticated frauds and scams in Canada – with new ones invented daily. Many frauds and scams attempt to mimic real federal government services to gain access to your personal and financial information.

You should be vigilant when any person claiming to be a Service Canada or 1 800 O-Canada employee contacts you in a way that you are usually not contacted by the federal government. This could include:

requests for personal information (such as a Social Insurance Number, credit card number, bank account number or passport number) by telephone, email or text, or
notifications (text or email) or calls that attempt to complete a financial transaction (such as messages requesting to click on hyperlinks to deposit benefits or to pay taxes)

These emails, text messages, letters and calls (including recorded messages) may be fraudulent.

1 800 O-Canada is a general information service and does not usually make unsolicited attempts to contact Canadians.

In very rare cases, Service Canada may unexpectedly contact you in the course of delivering Government of Canada services.

Service Canada and 1 800 O-Canada only send information you have requested and only send notifications through services to which you have signed up.

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.

If you want to learn more about the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), including who qualifies, how much you could receive, and when payments are issued, visit Tax Service Canada’s Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Guide. This comprehensive resource explains the eligibility requirements, payment amounts for individuals and families, application details for new residents, and important CRA payment dates. With the CGEB replacing the GST/HST Credit in July 2026 and providing increased support to millions of Canadians, staying informed can help ensure you receive every benefit you are entitled to.

If you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), now is the time to ensure your benefits continue without interruption. GIS eligibility is reviewed annually, and failing to file your income tax return or complete any required renewal steps could result in your payments being reduced or stopped starting in July 2026. Service Canada uses your most recent income information to determine your eligibility and payment amount for the 2026–2027 benefit year. To avoid delays or disruptions to your monthly GIS payments, review the renewal requirements today. Visit the GIS Renewal page for a complete guide and important updates.

Never miss an Old Age Security payment by bookmarking our dedicated 2026 OAS Payment Schedule page today. Managing your retirement budget is much easier when you know exactly when your funds will arrive in your account. By saving this link, you’ll have instant, one-click access to the most up-to-date distribution dates and any schedule adjustments throughout the year. Stay organized and gain peace of mind by keeping this essential resource right at your fingertips. Bookmark us now and ensure you’re always prepared for your upcoming monthly payments!