Releasing SIN#

I'm in Ontario and have a BIN number to register my business. I have used the BIN number on tax receipts to parents for about the last 6 years, and said that the CRA can contact me if they need the SIN. I just didn't want my SIN in the hands of all clients.
I have had an accountant call and leave me a message asking for my SIN. My question is, would you release a SIN# over the phone to an accountant? How do I know for sure that it truly is an accountant?
Maybe I'm paranoid, but I treat my SIN very seriously/privately.
Opinions please???

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Originally Posted by Busy ECE mommy

I'm in Ontario and have a BIN number to register my business. I have used the BIN number on tax receipts to parents for about the last 6 years, and said that the CRA can contact me if they need the SIN. I just didn't want my SIN in the hands of all clients.
I have had an accountant call and leave me a message asking for my SIN. My question is, would you release a SIN# over the phone to an accountant? How do I know for sure that it truly is an accountant?
Maybe I'm paranoid, but I treat my SIN very seriously/privately.
Opinions please???

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I wouldn't give it over the phone to a random accountant that calls me. But I would give it to an accountant that requests it, leaves their name and number for me to call back. I would then use the name and number to look them up online and find their office and credentials etc before calling.

I agree with Lee-Bee. I would do the same.

I also have a BIN that I put on my receipts, and state that cra can contact me.
Your not being paranoid.

I think that this type of request should be made in writing. That way you have a paper trail

It does sound fishy!!!