TL;DR: Two Quebec refund scams keep coming back. Fake SAAQ texts say you were overcharged and offer a refund through a link; the SAAQ says it will never contact you by text about this. Fake Revenu Québec texts and emails promise $400 to $600 payments; Revenu Québec says "at no time" does it offer refunds or payments that way. Don’t click. Real money from both arrives by direct deposit, cheque or your official account.
The SAAQ text
The SAAQ warned about texts that appear to come from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec. They say:
- you were overcharged;
- click the link to get your refund.
The SAAQ’s position is blunt: it will never contact you by text message for this kind of issue. Don’t click and don’t share personal information.
The Revenu Québec text
When Quebec sent out cost-of-living cheques, fraudulent texts and emails followed, promising $400 to $600. Revenu Québec told CTV: "At no time does Revenu Québec offer refunds or payments in this manner." Real payments went by direct deposit or cheque.
Notice the pattern? Scammers watch the news. Whenever there’s a real government payment, a fake version arrives in your texts within days, usually with worse spelling.
Why refund scams work
A "you owe money" text makes people suspicious. A "we owe *you* money" text makes people curious. The link leads to a page that asks for your card number "to deposit the refund," plus your name, address and date of birth. That’s a full identity kit, handed over with a smile.
What to do
- Don’t click the link or reply.
- Forward the text to 7726 so your carrier can block it. See our 7726 guide.
- Check directly by typing saaq.gouv.qc.ca or revenuquebec.ca yourself, or logging into your official online account.
- Entered card details? Call your bank now and ask for a new card.
- Report losses to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
More Quebec scams to know
Fake Hydro-Québec and Desjardins messages use the same playbook. Quebec residents also have strong privacy rights under Law 25. A free exposure check shows if your contact details are circulating in breach data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the SAAQ send refund texts?
No. The SAAQ says it will never contact you by text message about this kind of issue.
Does Revenu Québec send payments by text or email?
No. Revenu Québec says at no time does it offer refunds or payments that way.
How does Revenu Québec actually pay refunds?
By direct deposit or cheque.
Where do I report a SAAQ or Revenu Québec scam text?
Forward it to 7726 and report any losses to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.