Purpose
This bulletin was prepared to advise the public of a growing telephone scam where fraudsters say that your Social Insurance Number (SIN) has been blocked, compromised or suspended.
Overview
Consumers are reporting calls where fraudsters claim that your SIN has been blocked, compromised or suspended. Fraudsters may add that this is due to your SIN being linked to fraudulent or criminal activity. Consumers who receive this call are asked to provide their SIN and other personal information (DOB, name, address, etc.). Victims who provide their personal information to fraudsters are at risk of identity fraud.
These fraudsters are pretending to be calling from government agencies. Some popular examples include: Service Canada, the RCMP, and various courthouses. As well, the fraudsters are displaying the phone number of these agencies on your caller ID.
Warning Signs – How to Protect Yourself
- Criminals use “call-spoofing” to mislead consumers. This technology is easily available. Do not assume that phone numbers appearing on your call display are accurate
- No government agency will contact you and tell you that your SIN is blocked.
- Never provide personal information over the phone to an unknown caller.
- If you provide personal information, contact Equifax and Trans Union to place fraud alerts on your accounts.If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.
