Your Social Insurance Number - Protect it
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This new publication (SC-202-03-06) provides information on how to protect your SIN and prevent its fraudulent use.
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What Is A Social Insurance Number?
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is used to manage various Canadian government programs. A SIN is assigned to a person living in
Providing And Protecting Your Social Insurance Number
Every person working in insurable employment in
Your employer and anyone else who prepares income tax information on your behalf, as well as all institutions from which you earn interest or income, such as banks, credit unions and trust companies have the right to ask for your SIN.
While there is no law that prevents businesses from asking for your SIN it is important that you be very careful when releasing it. You do not always have to give your SIN when asked. Many businesses ask to see SIN cards as identification, or to check your credit rating, but if they are not in the categories described above, you can refuse. Your SIN card is not a piece of identification.
You are responsible for protecting your SIN. Memorize your SIN. Store your SIN card in a safe place, like a safety deposit box. Do not carry it with you.
Show Your Social Insurance Number Card To Your Employer
Employers must request and view the Social Insurance Number (SIN) card of all new employees as soon as they are hired, and the employee must show it within three days of starting employment. If you have a SIN beginning with a 9, you must also show your employer your Work Permit/Employment Authorization issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Social Insurance Number And Fraud
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a very important piece of information because you are the only person given that number, and it could be used to access your personal information. Stolen, lost or borrowed SINs are often used to defraud people, governments, and businesses. If somebody else uses your SIN to work illegally or to obtain credit, for example, you may suffer hardship by having to pay additional tax for income you never received, or have difficulty when you apply for credit because someone else ruined your credit rating.
The following activities are all offences punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both:
- knowingly applying for more than one SIN,
- using someone else’s number to deceive or defraud,
- loaning or selling a SIN; and
- manufacturing a counterfeit SIN card.
Your SIN card should be kept in a safe place, like a safety deposit box, where it is less likely to be lost or stolen. Don’t carry it in your wallet or purse every day. If you believe that someone is using your SIN fraudulently, inform Service Canada immediately.
Notifying Us About A Death
When a person dies, there is a danger of someone committing fraud with the deceased’s SIN card. To prevent this, the next-of-kin should send the SIN card of the deceased and a copy of the Death Certificate or the Statement of Death, to:
Social Insurance Registration
E2A 4T1
Contact Us
For more information about Service Canada and its programs, or to find the address of the nearest Service Canada Centre, visit us on-line at Servicecanada.gc.caor call 1 800 O-Canada, TTY 1 800 926-9105.
For specific information about the Social Insurance Number program dial free of charge
1 800 206-7218 and select option “3”.
NEW: The Social Insurance Number program is now being delivered by Service Canada – the Government of Canada’s new service delivery network that brings a range of federal services and benefits together to meet your needs. Service Canada offers easy-to-access, one-stop, personalized services. You can access Service Canada services through your method of choice – by telephone, by mail, on-line or in-person.