CRA Update: CERB Fraud Investigations Have Started!

Getting CERB could result in a fraud investigation, not so with ETFs like the iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index Fund (TSX:XIU).

| More on:
edit Colleagues chat over ketchup chips

Image credit: Photo by CIRA/.CA.

Last week, I wrote about the CRA’s plans to tackle CERB fraud, which included opening a “snitch line” to catch suspected fraudsters. The CRA had been concerned about fraudulent CERB claims ever since the program started. In the interest of getting CERB out to Canadians in need, the agency pushed through applications quickly; reports claimed that some got the money as little as three to five days after applying. While the expediency allowed people to get help quickly, it also opened the door to fraud.

When I last wrote about CERB fraud, the CRA was only just beginning to tackle the problem. Now, it’s moving ahead with enforcement. After opening its fraud line, the agency is actively investigating cases of CERB fraud. According to reports, they’re moving quickly.

The CRA is receiving tips

According to a recent Global News story, the CRA’s CERB line has been steadily receiving tips. As of Thursday, the line had received 1,300 tips, up from 600 on June 1. Given that over eight million Canadians have applied for CERB, these tips are a drop in the bucket. However, they could be a start in helping the CRA catch people who received CERB when they shouldn’t have.

Repayments already starting

In addition to opening investigations into CERB fraud, the CRA is already receiving repayments. According to CTV News, the agency received 190,000 repayments as of last week – – that’s larger than the number of fraud tips the CRA had received in the same week, showing that for the most part, Canadians are voluntarily complying with CRA rules.

How to stay in the clear

In light of everything you’ve read so far, you may be worried about being investigated by the CRA for CERB fraud.

It’s an understandable concern. Draft legislation shows penalties ranging from a $5,000 fine to jail time, just for improperly applying for a government benefit. While that may seem harsh, keep in mind that the CERB program has cost the government over $40 billion so far. The feds will need to recover as much of that as possible. It’s also worth noting that the legislation hasn’t been passed yet; in all likelihood, the final laws will be less severe.

That said, it’s a good idea to keep your ducks in a row. The easiest way to do that is simply not apply for CERB if you haven’t yet.

If you have savings, you could build up an investment portfolio with ETFs like the iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index Fund (TSX:XIU) as an alternative to applying for CERB. XIU is a dividend-paying ETF that yields about 3.4% based on last year’s dividend payments. With that yield, you’d get $3,400 a year in dividends annually on a $100,000 position.

That’s more than the CERB pays out in a month and a half–although it would take a full year to collect that much income from XIU. The two figures aren’t directly comparable, but it’s undeniably true that dividend stocks/ETFs can establish passive income that won’t trigger fraud investigations.

If you’re already receiving CERB, your best bet is to re-examine the eligibility criteria and see if you truly qualify. If you don’t qualify, then don’t re-apply and pay back what you’ve already received. By doing so, you’ll avoid a CRA investigation that could cost you much more.

If you do qualify, you don’t need to do anything except pay the appropriate taxes on your CERB. That alone will be enough to keep the CRA at bay.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Andrew Button owns shares of iSHARES SP TSX 60 INDEX FUND.

More on Dividend Stocks

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy Under $30

These three stocks all offer a huge deal for investors looking for dividends, as well as growth that will last.

Read more »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »