Albertans are being urged to be extra cautious a few days ahead of the first installments of the government’s promised anti-inflation bailout. Phishing scammers try to take advantage of the program by cheating people out of their personal information.

Something like this happens every time a new program is started [gouvernemental] is announcedsays John Zabiuk, professor of cybersecurity at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

In this case, an individual may receive a text message that appears to be sent by the provincial government announcing their eligibility for the financial assistance program. The message usually asks you to enter your personal information by clicking on a link.

No one [d’officiel] will send you a text message with a link to let you know you’re eligible for moneywarns John Zabiuk.

The state government agrees. He had indicated last week when presenting the process to be followed in order to join the grant program that it will never send text messages or emails asking Albertans to provide their personal or banking information for the purpose of receiving payment.

Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish took the opportunity to recommend people review their cybersecurity basics, recalling that the government never communicates with Alberto residents to ask for their passwords.

Get help without the internet

Beginning January 18, people who are less tech-savvy can also apply for financial assistance by contacting Alberta Supports offices or a government agency counter.

A hotline is already in place to answer Albertans’ questions about the government’s anti-inflation initiatives: 1 (844) 644-9955.

However, John Zabiuk fears that people will be scammed despite these initiatives. Generally, seniors are the most likely to receive financial assistance. They are also the people most vulnerable to this type of scam.he clarifies.

The government’s cybersecurity expert reportedly suggested sending informational leaflets to this demographic to further deter fraud, especially as tax season approaches when he says attempted fraud is claiming more victims.

We will have an influx of tax fraud on top of affordability fraud. […] it can be malignanthe said.

John Zabiuk gives one last piece of advice to protect yourself: trust your instincts. If your intuition tells you something is wrong, don’t click the linkhe closes.