Your SIN can be used to steal your identity. Along with other personal information, someone may be able to use your SIN to: apply for a credit card or open a bank account, rent vehicles, equipment, or accommodation in your name, leaving you responsible for the bills.
Who can ask for your SIN number in Canada?
Who needs a SIN. If you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a temporary resident, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs. Children 12 years of age or older may apply for their SIN.
Is it safe to send SIN number over email?
Never forward an e-mail containing SIN information to an e-mail distribution list. Don’t include a SIN in an e-mail unless a procedure specifies that you may do so. If so, never put the SIN in the subject line of the e-mail. Don’t leave a laptop containing SIN information unattended or in an unlocked location.
How do you know if your SIN is compromised?
Checking your credit report is another good way to see if someone is fraudulently using your SIN. If you see a credit account that you did not open, that’s a good sign that someone has used your SIN to open a new account.
What to do if your SIN is stolen?
If your SIN was stolen or you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, Service Canada recommends that you:
- Report this to the police.
- Review your bank account and credit cards for any unusual activity.
- Watch your mail for any changes or disruptions.
- Get a credit report to check for unusual activity.
Who can I share my SIN number with?
Do not give your Social Insurance Number (SIN) number out to just anyone! It is a confidential number. Some government organizations or private businesses ask for the SIN because it is a simple way to identify you. Many use it as a client account number so that they don’t have to set up their own numbering system.
Can I give my SIN number to landlord?
Is a new tenant required to provide their Social Insurance Number (SIN)? It cannot be a mandatory requirement for a new tenant to provide the landlord their SIN, landlords can ask but they are not obligated to provide it.
How do I share my SSN securely?
Instead of sending your entire Social Security number, you can send a few digits. Then, you can send the other digits in person or through a phone call. A live phone call is a much more secure method of sending your Social Security number because your SSN won’t be kept in text form on any servers.
When should I share my SIN number?
Never give out your SIN unless you are sure it is legally required or you are satisfied it is necessary. Take steps to protect your SIN , your SIN card and other personal information from theft. Inform Service Canada and other appropriate authorities if you believe your SIN is being used illegally.
Should I give my SIN number over the phone?
The OPC’s key tips to help reduce the risk of identity theft and other types of fraud include: Don’t give personal information such as a credit card number or Social Insurance Number over the phone unless it’s to a trusted person or you initiated the call yourself.
What can a scammer do with your Social Security number?
A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don’t pay the bills, it damages your credit.
What information does someone need to steal your identity?
What they want are account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that they can use to loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards. Identity thieves can take out loans or obtain credit cards and even driver’s licenses in your name.
How do you check if your identity has been stolen?
What you can do to detect identity theft
- Track what bills you owe and when they’re due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign that someone changed your billing address.
- Review your bills.
- Check your bank account statement.
- Get and review your credit reports.
Can I change my SIN number?
To update your SIN record, you must submit an application and the required documents. Once Service Canada makes the changes, you will receive a Confirmation of SIN letter. Your SIN stays the same, but receiving this letter indicates that the change has been made.
What do Canadian SIN numbers start with?
The first digit of the SIN identifies the province where it was registered. 1 covers Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador), and overseas residents. 2-3 is used in Quebec. 4-5 is used in Ontario, excluding northwestern Ontario.
Can your SIN be Cancelled?
No one’s Social Insurance Number can be rescinded; you can only be issued a new one, in case your old one has been compromised. Have you recently received a call from someone threatening to “cancel” your Social Insurance Number (SIN) unless you complied with their demands? Don’t worry, it’s a scam.
What happens if someone gets your SIN number?
If someone uses your SIN to commit fraud, it could ruin your credit rating. Someone could also use your SIN to work illegally. In this case, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may expect you to pay tax on income you did not receive.
Can I use someone else’s sin number?
To work in Canada or access government programs and benefits, you need a 9-digit number known as a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Your SIN is private and it is illegal for anyone else to use it. You are responsible for protecting your SIN.
What can someone do with the last 3 digits of my SIN?
There isn’t much difference between the last 3 digits of your SSN vs 4 digits of your SSN, when a professional scammer has your full name to go with these numbers. Putting names and numbers together, the scammer can gain access to the right database or information and figure out the rest of your SSN.
Can someone access my bank account with my Social Security number?
Can someone access my bank account with my Social Security number? No, because you would have to provide even more personal details to authenticate your identity like physical evidence of your passport, ID, driver’s license, etc.
What can you find out with someone’s Social Security number?
Once someone has your Social Security number, they can essentially become you. They may be able to collect tax refunds, collect benefits and income, commit crimes, make purchases, set up phone numbers and websites, establish residences, and use health insurance—all in your name.