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
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Wildfires are dampening against cool, rainy weather, but there's plenty left to contain
An opportune system of cool, wet weather Friday is dampening the spread of wildfires across Western Canada, but there's still plenty of work for responders and residents alike.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.