Never give it out over the phone or via email, and avoid carry your card in your wallet. A complete list of government departments authorized to collect SINs can be found here. Only provide your SIN to others when legally required to do so, such as to your employer, your financial institution or a relevant government agency. Regardless of whether your SIN has been compromised, hereвЂ™s what you need to be aware of in order to keep your personal information safe: Along with other personal information, someone may be able to use your SIN to apply for a credit card or open a bank account, rent vehicles, equipment, or accommodation in your name, leaving you responsible for the bills, charges, bad cheques, and taxes.вЂќДЄccording to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, a total of 19,473 Canadians reported being victims of identity fraud in 2013, for more than $11 million in losses. вЂњYour SIN can be used to steal your identity. вЂњThe SIN may be a key piece of information to open the door to your personal information,вЂќ the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada says on its website. Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that allows you to work in Canada, as well as receive access to government programs and benefits.Д«ut if it falls into the wrong hands, it can be used fraudulently, exposing you to possible identity theft.

The federal agency says those affected will receive a registered letter informing them of the breach, and will be provided with credit-protection services at no cost.ДЄs Canadians await word on whether they were affected, the issue of potentially damaging identity theft has been thrust into the spotlight. The CRA announced Monday the Social Insurance Numbers of approximately 900 Canadian taxpayers were taken after its online service portal was hit by the Heartbleed bug. Concerns about the safety of an important piece of identification were stoked on Wednesday in the wake of a security scare that hit the Canada Revenue Agency last week.

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