Better Business Bureau Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenays is warning of an immigration scam seeking to dupe hundreds of dollars from unsuspecting workers.
BBB was contacted by a gentleman from the Philippines regarding a ‘job offer’ he received from Hudson’s Bay Company through Canadian Immigration Law Consultants (CILC). He had received the offer through email and had sent the company a completed ‘Bio Data Form’. The company acknowledged receipt of this form, and told him they were completing his Work Permit application as well as his Clearance Document - the documents would be ready for him in 7 – 10 working days, after receipt of his US$700.00 processing fee, which is to be sent by Western Union or Money Gram.
BBB investigated the address given for CICL, and found it to be the location of the Law Society of Alberta – the Law Society confirmed to us that they are aware of the misuse of their address and have forwarded the information to their legal department.
We attempted to contact CICL, posing as a friend of the potential victim, using the contact information given but were unable to elicit a response.
A number of other parties from Asian countries have inquired about this business.
Anyone looking at working in Canada should refer to the website for Citizenship and Immigration Canada at www.cic.gc.ca , as well as contact the following if they are approached about an employment opportunity in Canada:
1) BBB at www.calgary.bbb.org to check the company.
2) Human Resources and Skills Development Canada at www.hrsdc.gc.ca to ensure that the employment of foreign workers supports economic growth and helps create more opportunities for all Canadians.
3) Law Society in the Province where the employment opportunity is located to confirm the validity of the Lawyer involved.
For more information, contact Daniel MacDonald, Communications & Marketing Coordinator at 403-531-8685, or visit calgary.bbb.org.