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By rdnewsNOW staff

$47 million

Employment scams are on the rise, according to the Better Business Bureau

Mar 19, 2025 | 11:14 AM

Job scams are on the rise in Alberta.

That’s according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which serves Alberta and the east Kootenay region.

BBB president and CEO, Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, said research outlined in the BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report indicated these types of scams are increasing.

“Making it the second most riskiest scam in Canada,” O’Sullivan-Andersen said in a media release. “These scams often begin with an advertisement posted online or even with what appears to be a legitimate company website.”

She explained once trust is made by the scammer and the job seeker, the scammer will ask for money.

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The scammer may claim that the money is for equipment or some other type of story. Despite that, she said it’s important to remember it’s all a scam.

“Do not send money to a prospective employer. Be very cautious whenever providing banking information. Always double and triple check who you’re dealing with,” she added.

In the release, they add that the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported in 2024 that $47 million was lost to employment scams, compared to $7 million lost in 2022.

“Times are tough for many people in our community and the prospect of a good-paying part-time job to help pay the bills may sound alluring,” O’Sullivan-Andersen said. “Always take steps to verify who you are in contact with and never send money to someone offering a job.”

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