Protect yourself from scammers

Albertans should use caution if they receive a text message claiming to be from government about affordability payments.

Alberta’s government has received reports of text messages attempting to defraud unsuspecting Albertans, including seniors and families who may be eligible for targeted relief payments. In one scam text, people are asked to click on a link to register for automatic bank payments.

The Government of Alberta will never text you or make unsolicited calls to ask you for your personal information.

“Under no circumstance would Alberta’s government send emails or texts requesting information for the affordability program. Users should never click on links or provide personal or banking information to text messages or emails,” said Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation.

A secure, online application portal for affordability payments was launched by the government on Jan. 18. Families with household incomes below $180,000 are eligible to receive $100 per month for six months for each dependent child under 18. Seniors 65 or older who have household incomes below $180,000 and do not receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit can also apply for monthly payments.

Anyone who cannot apply online can apply in person through any registry agent or Alberta Supports Centre.

Albertans who receive benefits through Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Income Support or the Alberta Seniors Benefit, or services through the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program, are already registered for the program and will automatically receive payments.

Quick facts

• Albertans are encouraged to apply for or check the status of their Affordability Payments by logging on to the portal.

• If you are ever uncertain or think you’ve been the target of a phishing scam, report concerns to the police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.

• Tip sheets and other resources to prevent identity theft and consumer-related scams can be found on alberta.ca on the Consumer and Business tips page.

For help with affordability payment applications, Albertans can:

Call the verified account support line at 1-844-643-2789.

Call the Affordability Action Plan Information Line at 1-844-644-9955.

Visit any registry agent or Alberta Supports Centre in person to receive support in 50 locations and in more than 100 languages at no charge. During the application period, Alberta Supports is providing extended hours from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

As with all online accounts, Albertans should use strong passwords and not share their password with anyone else. Tips on how to create a strong password are available on the application site.

Additional information, including a how-to video and answers to questions, is available online.