Ontario man loses $1,500 applying for Nexus cards on social media
The trusted traveller program between Canada and the United States is extremely popular and almost two million Canadians have a Nexus card.
If you're a frequent traveller to the U.S., a Nexus card can make it a lot easier and faster to cross the border.
You need to apply for a Nexus card, follow a process and sit for an in-person interview, but if you’re searching for information online some websites are leading people astray and taking their money.
Currently, the price to get a Nexus card is US$50, although that price is rising to US$120 on Oct. 1.
A Mississauga, Ont., man found a company on a social media website that was advertising that it could fast track his process so he applied.
He paid $1,500 more than a year ago for two Nexus cards for himself and his wife and has still not received them and the company is now demanding more money.
“I came across this social media promotion in my Facebook about their capacity to process a Nexus card,” said the man, who asked that we not use his name as he is concerned the company now has all his personal information.
“I sent them an email, a text, then I called them, but nothing,” the man said. “it is really sad. I should have done a little more research on this one."
“The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) does not request money for application fees through advertisement on social media,” The Canada Border Services Agency told CTV News Toronto. “Scammers attempt to imitate federal government services to gain access to personal and financial information.”
The CBSA also said using a third party will not speed up the process and could result in a delay or denial for a Nexus card. If you want to apply for a Nexus card, there is a non-refundable fee.
The cost is per applicant for a five year membership card and you will also meet with U.S. Homeland Security for an in-person interview.
When applying it’s best to use the use the Government of Canada’s website to find information on the program, only follow their links and be suspicious if any company tries to add additional fees and claims they can speed up the process.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
As Hunter Biden's gun case starts jury selection, U.S. president says he has 'boundless love' for him
A federal gun case against U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter opened Monday with jury selection, following the collapse of a plea deal that would have avoided the spectacle of a trial so close the 2024 election. First lady Jill Biden was seated in the front row of the courtroom, in a show of support for her son.
Toyota apologizes for cheating on vehicle testing and halts production of three models
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda apologized Monday for massive cheating on certification tests for seven vehicle models as the automaker suspended production of three of them.
This Canadian scientist combines passion for history, archeology and genetics to solve ancient and modern-day DNA puzzles
Turi King takes pride in her work solving ancient and modern-day DNA puzzles – including a centuries-old mystery involving an infamous British king.
Crews searching for 3 missing mountaineers near Squamish, B.C.
A search effort has been launched for a trio of mountain climbers who were reported overdue after not returning from their excursion near Squamish, B.C.
Mexico elects Claudia Sheinbaum as its first woman president
Mexico's projected presidential winner Claudia Sheinbaum will become the first woman president in the country's 200-year history.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Bathroom break nearly derails $22-million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Israeli strikes in central Gaza kill at least 11 as the U.S. pushes a ceasefire plan
Palestinian health officials said Israeli strikes killed 11 people overnight into Monday, including a woman and three children, in central Gaza.
Bank of Canada interest rate decision coming on Wednesday amid rate cut speculation
The Bank of Canada will announce its latest interest rate decision on Wednesday amid speculation that the central bank might start to cut rates.