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
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi still missing after helicopter accident in mountains
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Canadian immigration asks medical worker fleeing Gaza if he treated Hamas fighters
Lawyers are questioning Canada’s approach to screening visa applications for people in Gaza with extended family in Canada after one applicant, a medical worker, was asked whether he had treated members of Hamas.
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was 'truly sorry' and his actions were 'inexcusable.'