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
Board orders deportation for trucker in horrific Humboldt Broncos crash
The truck driver who caused the horrific bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team has been ordered to be deported.
Community mourns victims of fatal boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
The three people killed in last weekend's tragic collision between a speedboat and a fishing boat north of Kingston are being remembered Friday.
A woman took her dog to a shelter to be euthanized. A year later, the dog is up for adoption again
Exhausted and short on options after consulting two veterinary clinics, Kristie Pereira made the gut-wrenching decision last year to take her desperately ill puppy to a Maryland shelter to be euthanized.
Group tied to Islamic State plotted fatal Ontario restaurant shooting: Crown
A gunman who is accused of killing a young Ontario man and shooting four of his family members at their small Mississauga restaurant in 2021 was allegedly part of a trio who had pledged allegiance to the listed terrorist group Islamic State, a Crown attorney said in an opening statement in the Brampton murder trial this week.
'A really bad car crash': Why health experts are raising concerns over surging syphilis cases
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that was once thought to be a thing of the past is now a public health priority for North American doctors.
Purolator truck drivers from Guelph, Ont. save man walking in Hwy. 407 lanes
A pair of Purolator transport truck drivers from Guelph, Ont. are being hailed as heroes for their efforts in helping a person in crisis.
Trudeau responds to American senators calling on Canada to increase defence spending
Stopping short of offering the assurance U.S. senators are seeking, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is aware there's more work to do in order to see Canada meet NATO's defence spending target.
Toddler dies after being struck by recycling truck in Barrie, Ont. neighbourhood
A toddler has died after being struck by a recycling truck in a Barrie, Ont. neighbourhood on Thursday afternoon.
Milk sold in Canadian grocery stores tested for avian influenza; results released
As avian flu spreads south of the border, Canadian officials are now testing samples of milk sold in grocery stores across the country.