Police in Canada are warning about new phone scam targeting SIN numbers
Police are now warning Canadians to watch out for a social insurance number scam.
The Winnipeg Police Department first reported the scam six days ago; officers said that Canadians were receiving phone calls stating that their social insurance numbers have been compromised — before being asked to confirm their SIN number.
Now, it seems that the scam is spreading.
The Victoria Police are reminding Canadians that a professional tone doesn't make something trustworthy.
A new round of #SINscam calls is hitting Victoria & #Esquimalt. This new version features a professional-sounding recorded voice & a spoofed "Service Canada" call display, but claims your Social Insurance Number has been indicated in a #fraud. It's a #scam. pic.twitter.com/CWi7vLLA0J
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) January 28, 2020
And the North Bay police department in Ontario have put out a similar warning.
Scam Warning. North Bay & area residents BEWARE scammers calling about your SIN card. They want you to call back or "push 1 to avoid legal consequences". Canada Border Services name sometimes used. JUST HANG UP, Don't respond.@canantifraud #fraud
— North Bay Police (@NorthBayPolice) January 23, 2020
The phone scam has even reached New Brunswick.
The Saint John Police Force is aware that people are receiving calls from someone purporting to be from a Government Agency or Police Officer claiming your Social Insurance Number has been used to commit offenses and you could be arrested. https://t.co/55K9VN0nsl pic.twitter.com/66qZhbgTSB
— FCNB (@FCNB_) January 27, 2020
Police are reminding Canadians to never give out personal information on the phone. The Canada Revenue Agency already has your social insurance number, and police will never solicit personal information over the phone.
Erik McLean
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