Holiday Employment Scam

Chillwack Times had a story about the mystery shopper job scam.

Typically, these are advertised with an Internet address to submit an application. The applicant then receives a mail package with instructions on how to deposit a money order at a bank through Western Union to a fictitious person, usually in another province. Even if the victim carries out the duties of a "mystery shopper," no one is expecting them.

There are legitimate mystery shopping jobs, but check with the BBB first before applying. Remember, never to wire money to a stranger who is offering employment, because it will difficult to get the money returned, explosing you to financial loss. 

Source: Chilliwack Times

Do-not-call scam circulating through e-mail

CBC published a report abut a new scam that involves the do-not-call list.Here is an excerpt from the story:

"Cellphone providers are warning against a scam circulating via e-mail regarding the CRTC's recently implemented do-not-call telemarketing list.

The e-mail warns recipients that cellphone providers are releasing their customers' numbers to telemarketers, so they should expect calls that will inevitably waste their airtime. Recipients are urged to call one of two phone numbers purportedly attached to the national do-not-call list, which the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission launched on Sept. 30, in order to block such unwanted calls.

"All cellphone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls," the e-mail says. "You will be charged for these calls."

The e-mail suggests the release of number databases has been confirmed by Telus Corp. and urges recipients to pass the message on to their friends.

Telus, however, issued an advisory on Tuesday evening warning that the e-mail was "fraudulent and dangerous" and urged customers not to respond to it or forward it."

Source: CBC.ca