New Brunswick warns of growing SIN scam
The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick is warning Canadians of a growing telephone scam where fraudsters tell people that their social insurance numbers (SIN) have been blocked, compromised or suspended.
Fraudsters may add that this is because a consumer’s SIN has been linked to fraudulent or criminal activity. They say they are calling from government agencies, including Service Canada, the RCMP and various court houses, and can display the phone numbers of these agencies on caller ID.
Consumers warned of never giving away personal ID to strangers
Consumers who receive this call are asked to provide their SIN and other personal information, such as their date of birth, name and address. The commission is warning people that if they provide any kind of personal information to fraudsters they risk identity fraud.
The commission also cautions that no government agency contacts people to tell them that their SIN is blocked. On top of that, people should never provide personal information over the phone to an unknown caller. If they do, the commission suggests people contact Equifax and Trans Union to place fraud alerts on their accounts.
If you think you know someone who has been a victim of fraud, the commission suggests they contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online.