With more people turning to online platforms to find work, scammers are exploiting job seekers with fake ads, particularly targeting immigrant communities.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning British Columbians to stay alert.

Recent alerts from the Richmond RCMP highlight a surge in fraudulent job listings posted in Simplified Chinese, designed to lure Chinese-speaking residents. Victims are pressured to share personal details, pay upfront fees, or invest in “opportunities,” which is a classic bait-and-switch tactic.

“Employment scams don’t just cost money—they drain confidence and waste valuable time,” said Neesha Hothi, Director of Marketing & Communications for BBB serving Mainland B.C. “A little due diligence can go a long way in safeguarding your career search and keeping your focus where it belongs, on real opportunities. Taking the time to pause and verify could protect not just your wallet, but your future.”

According to the 2024 BBB Risk Report, employment scams ranked as the number two riskiest scam in Canada, with a median dollar loss of $2,500. Alarmingly, 40.1% of victims said the promise of flexible, work-from-home opportunities was their main reason for engaging.

Employment scams also ranked as the number one riskiest scam for men.

A recent BBB Scam Tracker report submitted early this year illustrates how these schemes unfold: fraudsters offer remote jobs with guaranteed salaries after completing online “tasks.” Everything appears legitimate at first—until the worker nears completion or attempts to cash out. Suddenly, the system demands deposits for “verification” or “processing fees.”

Even after payment, more barriers appear, while the promised salary never materializes. This is a textbook advance-fee fraud.

BBB’s tips to avoid employment scams:

Do your research. Verify both the recruiter and the company. Check the official website, hiring process, salaries, and benefits. Contact the company directly using verified information.

Guard your personal information. Never share sensitive details with anyone you haven’t confirmed is legitimate. Real employers take time to build trust.

Watch out for overpayment scams. Fraudsters may send fake checks and ask you to wire back the “extra.” By the time the check bounces, your money is gone.

Don’t get fooled by reshipping scams. Roles that involve receiving and forwarding packages often involve stolen goods. Victims are left unpaid and potentially liable.

Don’t fall for jobs that seem too good to be true. Jobs promising high pay with no interview, or that seem too good to be true, usually are.

Fall for a scam or narrowly avoid one? There is power in telling your story. Report your personal experiences to BBB Scam Tracker, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local police.

Better Business Bureau

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