The RCMP is urging citizens to be aware of individuals requesting Social Insurance Number information.
The RCMP continue to respond to complaints from people who have received telephone calls from individuals claiming to be government representatives.
"These individuals are calling and advising people that their Social Insurance Numbers have been compromised in some way," said an RCMP press release.
These calls, which have been confirmed to be fraudulent, then ask for the person's SIN number and sometimes claim that the individual needs a new SIN.
Giving away your personal SIN number makes you vulnerable to identity theft and other types of fraud. To reduce the risk of this happening people are reminded never to give their personal information such as credit card or SIN numbers over the phone.
"Reputable firms never ask for personal information without significant safeguards," said the release. "If someone calls unexpectedly and requests your personal or financial information, try calling the organization they are representing to verify that the request is legitimate."
If you receive a suspicious e-mail or phone call, hang up and report it immediately to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or online at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/reportincident-signalerincident/index-eng.htm.
