A Canadian job ad asks for my SIN or a deposit: what should I verify?

The recruitment stage matters

Job Bank warns against sharing sensitive identity or banking information and money deposits in a résumé or interview. This differs from verified payroll onboarding after hiring. A company name, logo or job-site listing is not proof that a sender is authorised. Pause and identify the purpose and stage before responding to a request for a SIN, bank details or payment.

Verify through an independent route

Locate the employer’s genuine contact details independently and ask whether the vacancy and recruiter are real. Compare the email domain, interview process and job description with the verified response. Do not use only the phone number in the suspicious message. Keep the ad and correspondence without forwarding another person’s identity documents as part of the check.

Separate forms from payment requests

Ask why the information is needed now, who receives it and which secure channel is used. Treat requests to buy equipment through a named seller, send deposits or move money as separate issues needing verification. Avoid installing remote-access software or sharing a one-time banking code to “complete recruitment.” Keep any transaction reference if you already paid.

If information or money was sent

Contact the relevant bank or account provider promptly and use verified Canadian fraud-reporting channels. Preserve the original messages, dates and payment evidence. Report a questionable listing to the platform. This guide cannot confirm a particular advert is fraudulent from its wording alone, recover money or provide an immigration decision.

Hypothetical illustration: a branded message asks for a deposit

A message with a company logo asks an applicant for identity details and a payment to reserve a role. Pause the request and independently locate the employer’s genuine contact, instead of using only the message’s number or link. Ask that verified contact whether the role, sender and payment request are authorised. Keep the advert and original message. A sender saying the request is “standard” is not independent verification, and a written offer does not by itself make a payment demand legitimate.

Next steps if unresolved

If you cannot verify the employer or the request remains suspicious, do not provide the information or payment. Report the suspicious listing to the job platform and consider contacting Canadian anti-fraud authorities. Keep all records of the communication. If you have already sent money or information, contact your bank and the relevant authorities as soon as possible. This guide does not provide legal advice or guarantee recovery.

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