In 2020, thousands of Canadians were affected after cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to Government of Canada online accounts, including CRA My Account. The incident led to a national class action lawsuit, and eligible individuals may now be able to claim compensation through the court-approved settlement.
What Happened?
The privacy breach occurred when attackers used stolen usernames and passwords obtained from unrelated data breaches to access Government of Canada online accounts through a technique known as credential stuffing. Some individuals had personal or financial information accessed without authorization.
Who May Be Eligible?
You may be eligible if:
- Your Government of Canada online account was accessed without your authorization during the 2020 attacks.
- You received notice that your personal or financial information was compromised.
- You meet the eligibility requirements set out in the settlement.
What Compensation Is Available?
Depending on your circumstances, eligible class members may be entitled to:
- Up to $80 for time spent dealing with unauthorized access to personal financial information.
- Up to $200 for time spent dealing with fraudulent use of personal information.
- Up to $5,000 for eligible documented out-of-pocket expenses, including unreimbursed fraud losses, identity theft costs, and certain professional fees.
How Can You Check If You’re Eligible?
The court-appointed Claims Administrator has created an online eligibility checker where individuals can verify whether they qualify under the settlement and, if eligible, submit a claim. Claims are currently open, and eligible individuals should ensure they submit their claim before the applicable deadline.
Why This Matters
Although this settlement provides compensation for some individuals affected by the 2020 privacy breach, it also highlights the importance of protecting your CRA My Account. Using strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring your account can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
If unauthorized access to your CRA account has resulted in tax disputes, reassessments, or collection issues, obtaining legal advice may help you understand your options.
Contact HLG Tax Law
If you are dealing with CRA tax disputes, reassessments, collections, or other tax-related legal issues, HLG Tax Law can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation.