Getting paid at work and staying safe

When you work in Canada, employers generally need your SIN after you are hired so they can report income. You should receive pay stubs and, each year, tax slips such as a T4. Keep those documents for your records.

Pay methods vary by employer: direct deposit to your bank is common; some still use cheques. Ask your employer’s payroll office how you get paid and how to update your bank info through them — that is separate from CRA benefit direct deposit.

Red flags:

• An “employer” asks for your SIN, banking password, or e-Transfer before you have a real job offer and paperwork.
• Someone asks you to “cash a cheque and send money back.”
• A surprise message claims the CRA needs your payroll password.

Use official SIN protection habits. For workplace problems (unpaid wages, unfair treatment), this course cannot give legal advice — ask your council about employment standards referrals in Alberta or elsewhere.

Practice task (offline): Write three places you would store pay stubs safely, and one person you could ask at your council if a job offer feels like a scam.