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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) that serves not only Alberta but also east Kootenay.

President and CEO of BBB, Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen said research outlined in the BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report indicated that 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 also add that the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported in 2024, $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.”