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Organization: Better Business Bureau | BBB

A magnifying glass hovers over a computer keyboard, highlighting four red keys that spell out "SCAM" in white letters.

Watch out for fake Alberta Health texts, BBB warns

Written on . Posted in Health & Wellness, RCMP & Public Safety.

The Better Business Bureau is warning Albertans about fake text messages claiming their Alberta Health card needs updating.

The scam texts tell recipients that health cards issued before January 2023 are invalid and that they must update their personal information, according to the BBB.

“This is another phishing scam that every Albertan should be aware of,” says Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB Serving Alberta and East Kootenay. “The scammers are sending out texts claiming Albertans have to update their personal information because health cards issued before January 2023 are invalid. This is a scam.”

She says the texts carry telltale signs. They claim to be official communication from the Government of Canada — but health care is a provincial responsibility, not federal. The texts also include an email address from a large private email provider, another red flag.

“Delete this text — do not engage,” she says.

Don’t trust unsolicited messages

Scammers claim you’ve won a prize, an account is about to be deactivated, or a package couldn’t be delivered — and they often push you to “act now.” The urgency is deliberate: they want you scared or excited enough to respond without thinking. Before you do, ask whether you gave the company permission to text you, entered a contest, or are expecting a package. If an out-of-the-blue offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Watch for suspicious links

Most scam texts contain a link, and scammers hope alarm or excitement will make you click without thinking. Some links download malware onto your device; others lead to lookalike websites built to harvest your personal information, login and passwords.

A personalized message doesn’t make the sender trustworthy

Thanks to data breaches and online directories, scammers may already have your name, address, bank or phone provider, and they’ll include those details to seem legitimate. When in doubt, contact the business directly.

A bearded man in a cap smiles while playing guitar. Text promotes a Lloyd Spiegel concert at Empress Theatre, October 14, 2026, with ticket details and contact info.

Look for spelling and grammar errors

Many fake texts are written by someone not fluent in English, so strange phrasing and errors are a warning sign — though skilled scammers won’t always slip up. Legitimate companies use professional writers, so mistakes are a red flag.

If a website looks real, check again

Even if a link takes you to what looks like an official site, don’t assume it’s safe — scammers can copy a legitimate website exactly and steal your login if you enter it. Check the URL carefully before typing anything.

Look up phone numbers before you call

Scammers may prompt you to call a number under the guise of a real business. Once you’re on the line, they’ll ask you to “confirm your identity” with a PIN, password or social insurance number. No legitimate company asks for that over the phone. If you realize you’re talking to a scammer, hang up and block the number.

Don’t reply, even to opt out

Some scammers ask you to text “STOP” or “NO.” Replying only confirms your number is active and can invite more attacks. Block the number and delete the message.

Keep antivirus software up to date

It can warn you about fake and unsafe websites if you do click a link.

 

Consumer Fraud, Government Impersonation Scams, Health Card Scams, Online Safety, Personal Information, Phishing Scams, Scam Prevention, Scams, Text Message Scams

A chalkboard with the words “DON’T GET SCAMMED” written in white chalk, with a stopwatch replacing the letter “O” in “DON’T.”.

Alberta homeowners targeted in paving contractor scam

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

The Better Business Bureau is warning Alberta homeowners and businesses to be on guard against a paving scam that has been making the rounds across the province.

The scheme typically begins with an unsolicited knock at the door. A contractor introduces themself, claims to be working nearby and says they noticed the condition of your driveway or sidewalk.

Because they are already in the area with extra paving supplies, they say, they can offer a discounted price. If the homeowner agrees, the contractor asks for a large portion of the payment up front.

Red flags tend to emerge when questions are asked. The contractor may become evasive or hesitant when pressed for business details or pricing information.

Once payment is made, the scammer may simply disappear — phone numbers and email addresses prove unresponsive, and the company the contractor claimed to represent turns out to be unreachable or an impersonation.

In some cases the contractor returns and completes poor-quality work, but any attempt to seek a refund or correction goes nowhere.

The BBB also cautions that some fraudulent contractors resort to intimidation, including threats of legal action, to discourage homeowners from pushing back.

One consumer reported losing $5,000 through the scheme, telling BBB Scam Tracker: “Paving the driveway with recycled asphalt, came and put down crushed gravel and left. Said the crew was finishing a house around the corner and they’d come back but never did.”

An older couple smiles while leaning on a wooden railing outdoors, above text describing their $879 profit share from Vision Credit Union and a website link.

How to protect yourself

The BBB recommends several precautions to avoid falling victim to contractor fraud.

Be wary of any unsolicited offer. Most contractor scams begin when someone volunteers an estimate that was never requested, particularly if it is framed as a limited-time discount.

Before hiring anyone, research the company online at BBB.org. A history of negative reviews or complaints is a strong signal to look elsewhere, and a basic internet search often surfaces prior fraud linked to a contractor or business name.

Get everything in writing before work begins. A signed contract should outline start and completion dates, a detailed description of the work, material costs, payment arrangements and warranty information.

Stagger payments rather than paying the full amount up front. Agreeing to pay in stages allows the work to be inspected before the next payment is released.

Choose safe payment methods. Credit cards offer the best protection since disputed charges can be reversed. If paying by cheque, make it out to the company, not an individual. Cash and electronic wallet apps offer no recourse if something goes wrong.

Homeowners and businesses who believe they have encountered a paving scam are encouraged to report it to BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org.

Consumer Fraud, Contractor Fraud, Crime, Home Improvement, Paving Scam, Scam Prevention, Scams

A smartphone screen displays the ChatGPT interface with the text "What can I help with?" The background shows part of a laptop and blurred lighting.

Consumers frustrated with AI customer service, BBB finds

Written on . Posted in Business & Economy.

Consumers are increasingly frustrated with artificial intelligence in customer service, according to a new report from the Better Business Bureau.

Over the past three years, the BBB received more than 100,000 complaints, reviews and Scam Tracker reports mentioning AI and automation. Across all of them, one concern stood out: customers often feel unheard or dissatisfied when dealing with automated and AI services.

“We are hearing from consumers on a regular basis who are excited about the potential of this technology but also often voicing their displeasure when interacting with platforms and entities deploying a range of artificial intelligence,” says Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB Serving Alberta and East Kootenay.

“The vast majority of these reports are negative, with some consumers expressing high levels of frustration.”

Among the report’s findings: Of nearly 20,000 business reviews mentioning AI since 2023, more than 90 per cent were negative. Many of the complaints came from online retail, e-commerce and tech-forward industries, with consumers describing confusion, an inability to resolve their issues, and frustration at not being able to reach a human representative.

The BBB also offered tips for avoiding AI-related scams: Be cautious of unexpected phone calls with an automated voice; know that scammers can generate new phone numbers on the fly, so a new number may be the same scammer; and be wary of ads at the top of search results, which may imitate legitimate AI websites.

“As is always the case, consumers need to trust the businesses they are interacting with,” O’Sullivan-Andersen says. “This study indicates there is a level of discontent right now, and there’s much more work to do.”

Artificial Intelligence, Customer Service, Scams

A red triangular warning sign with an exclamation mark and the word "SCAM" in bold white letters, surrounded by icons of a phone, person, and envelope on a red background.

BBB warns romance scams and investment scams go hand in hand

Written on . Posted in Alberta.

The Better Business Bureau of Alberta and East Kootenay is warning that criminals posing as prospective romantic partners are defrauding people through investment scams.

“Romance scams are investment scams,” says Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Alberta and East Kootenay. “And now there are reports of more female scammers operating online attempting to defraud the unsuspecting.”

O’Sullivan-Andersen adds that scammers are equal opportunists.

“We have an idea that it’s women only who are being scammed and that’s simply not true,” she says. “Scammers will defraud anyone who they come in contact with.”

The criminals behind these scams create fake profiles — known as catfishing — and attempt to quickly enter into a romantic relationship to gain the trust of the intended victims. Once trust has been established, the scammer will ask the target to consider making a “can’t miss investment opportunity” such as cryptocurrency, or simply ask for money for some other reason.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported $310 million in investment fraud in Canada in 2024. The BBB’s Scam Tracker Risk Report ranked investment scams as the number one riskiest scam in Canada in both 2023 and 2024.

“It should be safe on Valentine’s Day, and every day, to go online,” says O’Sullivan-Andersen. “Unfortunately fraudsters are also there so you must know how to protect yourself so you don’t become a victim of fraud, suffering both a financial loss and from a broken heart.”

Job ad for “Shootin’ the Breeze” seeks part-time and full-time staff for photography, writing, and reporting; contact publisher@shootinthebreeze.ca. Background shows printed news text and a hand holding a voice recorder.

Tips to spot this scam:

  • Too hot to be true. Scammers offer up good-looking photos and tales of financial success. Be honest with yourself about who would be genuinely interested. If they seem too perfect, your alarm bells should ring.
  • In a hurry to get off the site. Scammers will try quickly to get you to communicate through email, messenger or phone.
  • Moving fast. A catfisher will begin speaking of a future together and tell you they love you quickly. They often say they’ve never felt this way before.
  • Talk about trust. Catfishers will start manipulating you with talk about trust and its importance. This will often be the first step to asking you for money.
  • Don’t want to meet. Be wary of someone who always has an excuse to postpone a meeting because they say they are travelling or live overseas or are in the military.
  • Suspect language. If the person claims to be from your hometown but has poor spelling or grammar, uses overly flowery language or uses phrases that don’t make sense, that’s a red flag.
  • Hard luck stories. Before asking you for money, the scammer may hint at financial troubles or share a sad story from their past.

Protect yourself:

  • Never send money or personal information to someone you’ve never met in person. Never give someone your credit card information to book a ticket to visit you.
  • Cut off contact if someone starts asking for credit card, bank or government ID numbers.
  • Ask specific questions about details given in a profile. A scammer may stumble over remembering details.
  • Do your research. Many scammers steal photos from the web. You can do a reverse image lookup using tineye.com or images.google.com to see if profile photos are stolen.

Anyone who has been a victim of a scam can report to local police, the Better Business Bureau and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

 

Alberta | AB, Crime

Heart with words Giving Tuesday on blue background

How to avoid charity scams when making holiday donations

Written on . Posted in Spirit of the Season Holiday Guide.

Today is Giving Tuesday, and if you’re planning to make a charitable donation this holiday season, the Better Business Bureau has some advice worth heeding.

“We know Canadians are very generous people, and now, perhaps more than ever before, charities are counting on donations to carry out the work they do,” says Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB Serving Alberta and East Kootenay. “If you plan to make a gift, take steps to ensure the charity you want to support receives the money to help carry out the mission they intend.”

It starts with getting the exact name of the charity you want to support. Mistaken identity is more common than you’d think — thousands of organizations have “cancer” or “children” in their name with no connection to one another. A few dollars meant for one cause can easily end up somewhere else entirely.

If someone calls or knocks on your door asking for money, don’t feel pressured to give on the spot. Legitimate charities will give you time to think it over. Be cautious of appeals that tug hard at the heartstrings but offer few details about what the organization actually does. It’s fair to ask how and where a charity is doing its work.

Before you donate, check the charity’s website. You should be able to find its mission, programs and financial information. Every registered charity in Canada has a charitable registration number — you can verify it through the Canada Revenue Agency. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance also publishes reports on whether charities meet its standards for accountability.

When you’re ready to give, go directly to the charity’s website rather than clicking links in emails or social media posts. Scammers know that generosity runs high this time of year, and a familiar-sounding name isn’t always the real thing.

A little homework ensures your gift ends up where you want it — doing good in the world.

Alberta | AB, Christmas Giving, Christmas Stories – Crowsnest Pass, Christmas Stories – Pincher Creek, Community Giving, Community Giving – Crowsnest Pass, Community Giving – Pincher Creek

A chalkboard with the words “DON’T GET SCAMMED” written in white chalk, with a stopwatch replacing the letter “O” in “DON’T.”.

BBB warns of fake health product ads using AI endorsements

Written on . Posted in Alberta.

The Better Business Bureau is warning Albertans about fake online ads for health and wellness products that make false claims and use artificial intelligence to create fraudulent endorsements.

The scams range from smartwatches claiming to monitor blood glucose levels non-invasively to weight loss products promising “miracle results,” according to a July 24 BBB announcement. Recent sophisticated ads use AI to fake endorsements from legitimate health organizations and spokespeople.

“This is as old as snake oil,” said Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB Alberta and East Kootenay. “Scammers are using contemporary tools to create ads making false and misleading claims to defraud consumers. What remains constant is the scam.”

O’Sullivan-Andersen advised consumers to get health information from physicians rather than online ads and avoid buying health products from unknown vendors making claims that seem too good to be true.

The BBB recommends being wary of advertisements promising miracle results, as Health Canada warns against products making false promises. Consumers should research companies before purchasing, regardless of celebrity endorsements, which scammers often use without permission.

Weight loss products claiming no diet or exercise is required should be avoided, the BBB said. Experts agree that losing weight requires work and should be gradual.

The organization advises checking product ingredients with Health Canada, as some recalled products contained potentially dangerous substances. Consumers should be suspicious of products lacking ingredient lists, which may contain harmful components that interact adversely with prescription drugs.

Free trial offers can become “subscription traps” that charge consumers for products they did not agree to buy. The BBB recommends reading all terms and conditions before signing up.

Consumers can research companies at BBB.org and report deceptive ads through BBB Ad Truth or BBB Scam Tracker.

Alberta | AB, Alberta Health Notices, Crime, Health, Health Canada

A magnifying glass hovers over a computer keyboard, highlighting four red keys that spell out "SCAM" in white letters.

Impostor scams, data breaches hit thousands of businesses

Written on . Posted in Alberta.

Business scams are draining companies of millions, with over 3,600 reported cases across North America since 2022, according to a new report from the Better Business Bureau.

The BBB says thieves are impersonating employees and vendors, hijacking social media accounts and orchestrating elaborate fraud schemes, all of which can lead to significant financial losses.

“Reports to the Better Business Bureau show that business scammers can steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in seconds without proper protections,” said Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB Serving Alberta and East Kootenay.

She noted that national agencies are also seeing steep losses — in the billions — from these scams.

The BBB’s Scam Tracker logged 3,647 business scam reports between 2023 and 2024, while the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received 9,286.

The report highlighted several common red flags for businesses, including surprise invoices from unusual email addresses, unexpected communications from “vendors,” and pressure to pay using gift cards or prepaid debit cards. Scammers also impersonate government agencies, urge urgent license renewals or trademark registrations, and send notices about expiring domain names.

The average cost of a data breach has risen to $4.9 million per company, excluding extreme cases. One growing tactic is business email compromise — where fraudsters impersonate employees to extract payments or sensitive information.

The BBB recommends companies take the following steps to protect themselves and their staff:

  • Train employees to recognize and report scams

  • Establish secure payment protocols with verification steps

  • Vet new business offers thoroughly before engaging

  • Use cybersecurity tools such as firewalls and multifactor authentication

More information about scam types and how to report them is available on the BBB Scam Tracker and through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Alberta | AB, Business, Crime

Three movers in blue uniforms are unloading cardboard boxes from a large white moving truck outside a house, while a family of three watches from the steps.

May is Moving Month: BBB urges caution when hiring movers

Written on . Posted in Alberta.

Moving into a new home can be exciting — a fresh start, new surroundings, maybe even a new city. But it can also be one of life’s most stressful moments. That stress can spiral fast when planning falls by the wayside, leading to rushed decisions and bad experiences.

With May designated as Moving Month, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) are teaming up to help consumers avoid common pitfalls and stay informed when hiring a moving company.

Book early and be selective

“The best advice we can give you is to book with a reputable company as soon as possible,” said Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB serving Alberta and East Kootenay. “Moving company bookings are filling up at an impressive rate and we want to prevent consumers from turning to classified ads at the last minute, which would increase the risk of running into scammers or inexperienced movers.”

O’Sullivan-Andersen said partnering with CAM allows BBB to offer essential guidance to help people choose trustworthy companies. “We are proud to partner with the CAM to offer advice and tips on how to hire a reliable mover who will deliver your belongings under expected conditions,” she said.

Ace of spades card on ad for Chase the Ace at the Pincher Creek Legion

Do your research

Nancy Irvine, president of CAM, echoed the importance of early planning and careful vetting.

“Don’t assume that the lower priced estimate is the best option,” she said. “You aren’t buying a pair of shoes on sale. We urge consumers to do their due diligence by researching each company they are considering. When trusting your belongings to someone, it’s worth doing the background work to avoid heartache.”

Beware of moving scams

Over the past year, BBB Scam Tracker has collected several reports of moving fraud. Some people have reported paying movers three times more than the original estimate.

Others said they were pressured to hand over hundreds or even thousands of dollars in cash, under threats that their furniture would not be delivered — or worse, that their items would be dumped on the side of the road.

There have also been reports of consumers paying deposits, only to be left stranded on moving day with no mover and no explanation.

“The majority of consumers who have reported moving scams have unfortunately come in contact with them through online classified ads,” said O’Sullivan-Andersen.

“When looking for a reputable mover, BBB and CAM suggest that you check the company’s rating on BBB.org and its status with the Canadian Association of Movers at www.mover.net. Both organizations provide reliable and relevant information on moving companies and contractors.”

To avoid added stress during your move, plan ahead, research thoroughly, and choose your mover with care.

Alberta | AB, alberta news, Crime, Moving

A hand reaching out from a laptop screen holds a blue credit card and places it into a black wallet on the keyboard, symbolizing online transactions or cybersecurity.

Identity theft growing more sophisticated with AI and dark web tools

Written on . Posted in Alberta.

Identity theft is getting a technological upgrade — and not in a good way.

In a new report released April 9, the Better Business Bureau is warning Canadians that advances in artificial intelligence and growing access to the dark web are fuelling a sharp rise in identity-related scams.

“The study points to an elevation in sophistication by those committing this type of fraud,” said Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB Serving Alberta and East Kootenay.

Criminals are now trading stolen personal information — everything from Social Insurance Numbers to bank account details — on the dark web, where it’s auctioned off like any other commodity.

“Criminals offer stolen information such as account numbers, Social Insurance Numbers and other personal details to the highest bidder on the dark web just like any other commodity,” said O’Sullivan-Andersen. “This underscores how vital it is for all of us to protect our personal information.”

Rising numbers, broader impacts

The latest data from TransUnion Canada shows a 15 per cent rise in identity theft cases in 2023. These schemes aren’t limited to a single tactic. Once scammers gather enough personal details — often from multiple sources — the information can be used to commit everything from credit card and personal loan fraud to mortgage scams.

“We know that organized crime gathers multiple pieces of personal information about individuals from a variety of sources in order to commit identity theft,” said O’Sullivan-Andersen. “This stolen information is then used in the commission of a wide array of scams.”

Event poster for a Secondhand Dreamcar concert at the Empress Theatre on November 20, 2026, at 7:30 PM, featuring a photo of the band members.

How to protect yourself

To stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated tactics, the BBB is urging the public to be cautious about what they share and to remain vigilant when online.

Some of the red flags include suspicious texts, emails with unusual links, low-quality websites, and unexpected voicemails or social media messages.

The BBB recommends a layered approach: avoid sharing personal information unnecessarily, scrutinize any requests for sensitive data, and keep a close eye on credit reports and financial statements. Strong, regularly changed passwords and multi-factor authentication are key.

Tools like BBB Scam Tracker, Google’s Safe Browsing Tool, and annual credit reports can help people stay informed. In some cases, it may also be worth considering credit freezes or dark web scanners.

If identity theft is suspected, the BBB advises freezing credit cards, changing passwords, contacting police and filing a report, and disputing unauthorized charges. Reports should also be filed with the BBB and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

“Protect your personal information, change your passwords regularly, use multi-factor authentication when possible and learn how to protect yourself from this type of fraud,” said O’Sullivan-Andersen.

For more information and resources, visit: www.bbb.org/all/identity-theft.

Alberta | AB, alberta news, Crime