A British Columbia man unknowingly became an illegal “money mule” after accepting an unsolicited courier job that required picking up cash from residents’ homes. In reality, he was collecting money for a fraudster operating a “grandparent scam.” This scam tricks vulnerable seniors into handing over cash by falsely claiming a relative is in jail and urgently needs legal fees.
The courier collected an estimated $30,000 from multiple victims before growing suspicious about the legality of the work and turning himself in to the police two days later. He has not been charged, as authorities consider him a victim of a fake job scam.
Experts warn that as the cost of living rises, more Canadians are falling prey to deceptive gig-work offers. To protect yourself, authorities advise being wary of unsolicited job offers, ignoring requests that demand urgent action, and thoroughly verifying employer details before accepting any work.