A Social Insurance Number (SIN) allows you to work in Canada, file taxes, and have access to government programs and benefits. It is extremely important that you protect your SIN. Not being vigilant may require you to get a new SIN, which is a lengthy process during which it will be more difficult to access programs or do any of the activities that require a SIN, like starting a new job.
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A SIN is a 9-digit number issued by the Government of Canada to an individual living in Canada. This number allows you to work in Canada, access government programs and benefits, and file taxes. Because a SIN is issued to a specific person, it is illegal for another person to use it. Any fraudulent activity done with a SIN can be hard to undo and may require you to request a new SIN.
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Because a SIN is required for you to access some government programs and financial benefits, if your SIN is compromised, someone else may gain access to these things instead of you. You might also become the victim of identity theft and other kinds of fraud because fraudsters may get access to your personal information.
If your SIN is being used for fraudulent purposes, it can take a long time to get your credit rating back on par. This is because fraudsters apply for loans and credit cards in your name, but since these are not in the fraudster’s name they have no intention of paying them back. As such, you’ll be on the hook to pay these back, and your credit may be negatively affected for each debt payment they miss.
If someone else has access to your SIN, they might be claiming income and other benefits that you did not receive. You would be on the hook to pay taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency on income that you did not earn or receive.
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There are several ways to tell if someone is using your SIN.
If the Canada Revenue Agency sends you a Notice of Reassessment for undeclared earnings, that means that someone used your SIN to receive taxable income. You would be on the hook for paying the taxes on this income even though you did not receive it yourself.
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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.
You might also stop receiving your bills and financial statements. This could mean that your accounts have been cancelled, or that your mail has been redirected. Either way, it’s a cause for concern.
Finally, seeing transactions in your bank account that you didn’t make is a good sign that there’s some suspicious activity going on. The more frequently you check your account, the sooner you can catch any potential fraud.
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If someone is using your SIN, you should file a report with the police and with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. They can help you to limit the damage caused by someone else using your SIN.
You should also start to control the damage yourself. Change any passwords, especially those for financial or government institutions, so only you can access sensitive information. Review your credit reports and place a credit fraud alert so you can identify fraudulent activities. Also review your bank activity and your mail to see if any suspicious transactions are being made.
You should also visit Service Canada to start the process of getting a new SIN. You should bring your old SIN card (if possible) and either a birth certificate, a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, or a Certificate of Indian Status. These documents will be used to prove your identity.
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One of the best ways to protect your SIN is to keep your SIN card safe. This means keeping it in a secure place you won’t lose it. Never carry your SIN card because it makes it easier for you to lose it or for it to be stolen.
You should also only provide your SIN when you are legally obligated to and in a safe way. For example, it is perfectly legal for an employer to ask for your SIN for tax purposes or to set up payroll. You shouldn’t use it, for example, to prove your identity, and you shouldn’t send it over email.
If someone does actually get access to your SIN when they shouldn’t, take action if you either suspect fraud or when you can confirm it. Limit the damage by reporting the fraud as soon as you can and take steps to get a new SIN.
You must keep your SIN safe at all times to protect yourself. If you don’t, you may become the victim of identity theft and other kinds of fraud. Even if you get a new SIN, you may still be on the hook for any damage caused by the fraudulent use of your SIN. If you remain vigilant, you should have no problem with SIN fraud.
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Matthew joined the Loans Canada writing team in 2021 while was finishing up a Bachelor's degree at the University of Saskatchewan. It was there that he discovered his love of writing. His work has appeared in several publications, including the Canadian Student Review and NewEngineer.com. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys reading, geocaching, and spending time with his family and pets.
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