An Ontario woman is out $4,000 after falling victim to a sophisticated advance fee loan scam, authorities reported on December 16, 2025. The Lethbridge Police Service issued a stark warning, revealing that fraudsters are increasingly preying on individuals searching for employment.
How the Advance Fee Scam Operates
According to police, the scam typically begins with a seemingly legitimate job offer. Criminals pose as employers and trick applicants into accepting positions that involve handling stolen merchandise, transporting drugs, or laundering money. To secure these fake roles, victims are often asked to pay an upfront "advance fee" for training, equipment, or a supposed loan advance, which is where the financial loss occurs.
In this specific case, the Ontario woman lost $4,000 after being convinced to pay fees for a loan that was promised as part of a fraudulent job package. The scammers disappear once the payment is made, leaving the victim without a job and significantly out of pocket.
A Growing Threat to Canadian Job Seekers
The Lethbridge Police Service emphasizes that this is not an isolated incident. Scammers are actively targeting vulnerable job seekers across the country, leveraging the high demand for employment to execute their schemes. These fraudulent offers often appear on popular job boards or are sent via unsolicited emails and messages.
"These scams are designed to look authentic," a police representative stated. "They promise good pay for minimal work, but the real goal is to steal your money or involve you in criminal activity." The police note that legitimate employers will never ask for payment from a potential employee as a condition of hiring.
How to Protect Yourself from Employment Fraud
To avoid becoming a victim, police and consumer protection agencies advise the following:
- Research the company thoroughly: Verify the business's physical address, phone number, and online presence. Be wary of companies with only a vague website or a PO box.
- Never pay for a job: Any request for an upfront payment for training, software, a "starter kit," or a background check is a major red flag.
- Question unusual job duties: Be extremely cautious of roles that involve receiving and reshipping packages, wiring money, or other tasks that could be linked to laundering stolen goods or money.
- Trust your instincts: If an offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
The incident reported on December 16 serves as a critical reminder for all Canadians to exercise extreme caution during their job search. Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a similar scam is urged to contact their local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
