Personal information
Fraud alert!
June 25, 2021: Telephone extortion scams are being reported to the CAFC. Fraudsters may call and tell you that your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is linked to a fraudulent account or criminal activity and then demand that you either:
- Verify or provide your personal information
- Withdraw money and deposit it into a "safe account" or to a representative
What you should know
- Fraudsters can manipulate caller ID to display phone numbers starting with your area code or the legitimate phone number of these agencies - this is called "Call-spoofing".
- No government agency will contact you and tell you that your SIN is blocked.
- Police officers will never present themselves at your residence to demand a payment.
Scam medium:
- Phone and fax
Targeting:
- Individuals
A scammer, pretending to be from a business, government agency, a bank, or utility company, urgently asks you to verify your personal information. They may request information such as:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your birth date
- Your account information
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Once you provide this information, the scammer may use it for identity fraud.
Never provide personal information over the phone, online or through email in response to an unsolicited request.
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