Tips to Protect your SIN | MyConsultant

Tips to Protect your SIN

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has released tips on protecting your Social Insurance Number (SIN) from fraud.

Fraudsters can use SINs to work illegally or obtain credit. The original SIN holder can be charged extra taxes or have their credit rating degraded.

To prevent SIN fraud, ESDC recommends storing your SIN in a safe place, not carrying it with you and providing it only when legally required.

The SIN Code of Practice contains a full list of situations when you are legally required to provide your SIN. However, private sector companies often ask for it in cases even when not legally necessary. This can include job, credit card and college applications, car and apartment rentals and medical questionnaires.

In these cases, ask with whom your number will be shared and why it is needed. If you are refused service unless you provide your SIN, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

Click here for information about what to do if you suspect you are a victim of fraud.

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