Ontario warns residents of scams targeting $200 rebate cheques

Ontario residents receiving $200 rebate cheques from Doug Ford’s government are being warned to watch out for scammers who attempt to exploit the payments, according to a fraud warning on the province’s website.

The $200 taxpayer rebate is being sent to all eligible adults in Ontario who filed their 2023 income tax by Dec. 31, 2024. Eligible families receive an additional $200 for each child under 18. 

The government’s website currently has a scam alert on the taxpayer rebate page, stating, “The Government of Ontario will only contact you directly in response to a question or query about the rebate you initiated.”

“It will not proactively contact you by text, email, or phone to ask for personal information (for example, Social Insurance Number (SIN), bank account information, health information), offer you money or a reward, or sign you up for a rebate program.”

The mailing of cheques to recipients of the taxpayer rebate began in early 2025.

Families with children who did not receive the 2024 Canada Child Benefit (CCB) can apply for a $200 rebate per child.

For general inquiries on the taxpayer rebate, call ServiceOntario at 1-833-351-0409.