Fraudsters impersonating Alberta government in affordability payment scam
Posted Jan 19, 2023 10:25 am.
Fraudsters are trying to take advantage of Albertans by impersonating the provincial government in a text message scam.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says scammers are pretending to send out links to apply for Alberta affordability payments, when in reality, the links are harmful.
The only way to apply for affordability payments is to do so online through the province’s website, and in-person at provincial registry offices.
The Alberta government’s website says it “will never send you unsolicited emails, text messages or call you by phone asking for your personal information.”
The BBB says fake text messages will appear similar to this example: “You qualified for Alberta’s Affordability Action Plan relief payment. Fill out the secure form linked below to deposit your first payment.”
“Scammers are opportunists, and they take advantage of announcements like this to try and get money and personal information,” Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay, said. “Ultimately they are after your cash and/or identity.”
The BBB adds to protect yourself from scams, do not reply with “STOP” or “NO” if a suspicious message prompts you to, and do not click or tap on links from senders you don’t know.
