In less than 24 hours after Alberta launched its Parent Payment Program portal, scammers have already tried to take advantage of parents.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says fraudulent websites mimicking the Alberta government’s official site have started appearing online, aiming to trick users into giving up personal or financial information, a tactic known as spoofing.
The portal, launched Tuesday and allows eligible parents and guardians to apply for $30 per day for each child under 12 while schools remain closed during the ongoing teachers’ strike. To access the program, applicants must have a verified Alberta.ca account.
The BBB warns parents to be cautious of links sent through **emails or text messages**, as scammers may be promoting fake websites designed to look legitimate.
To stay safe, the BBB recommends:
- Check the domain name carefully, look for spelling errors or swapped letters that signal a fake site.
- Avoid clicking unsolicited links in emails or messages. Hover over a link first to verify it leads to alberta.ca.
- Watch for red flags, such as poor design, low-quality visuals, or layouts that don’t match official government websites.
The official Parent Payment Program can be safely accessed through the Government of Alberta’s website at https://www.alberta.ca
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