Protect your SIN

If the wrong person gets your SIN, they may try identity fraud — for example opening accounts or filing false information in your name. Service Canada’s protection guidance says to limit who has access.

Safer habits:

• Do not carry your SIN card or confirmation letter every day if you do not need it.
• Store papers with your SIN in a safe place; shred them before throwing them out.
• Share your SIN only when it is required (for example, after you are hired for payroll, or with a bank when the law requires tax reporting).
• Never give your SIN in a surprise phone call, text, or email from someone you did not contact.

You are often not required to give a SIN for things like a job application before hiring, renting many apartments, a credit card application, or phone/internet signup (there are limited exceptions described on Canada.ca). If a business asks and it is not required by law, you can ask why, offer other ID, and refuse.

Scam warning: Messages that say your SIN is “cancelled,” or that ask you to “verify your SIN” by clicking a link, are suspicious. Hang up or delete. Use official websites you type yourself.

If you think your SIN was stolen or misused, follow the official “fraud and data breaches” guidance on Canada.ca and report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre as needed.