Side Gig Scam: Man Loses $2K, Warns Others

0:00It's March 25th. From your city to your ears, this is Toronto News Today, powered by AI. With the rising cost of living, more people are chasing sidegigs for extra cash, but job scans are exploding online. One man from Aurora, Ontario, lost $2,000 after falling for a fake movie reviewer offer that came out of nowhere via text message. He got hooked on the idea of rating films for pay since a money upfront, but grew suspicious when they demanded another $5,000. That's when he reached out to police, who confirmed it was a total scam and told them to cut off contact. The victim shared his story to warn others, saying he just wanted to support his family amid tough times. Scams like this prey on job seekers desperate for quick income, especially as unemployment ticks up. Experts point out common red flags, like unsolicited job offers with no interviews, sky high pay for simple tasks, or demands to pay money first. Vague details and sloppy messages are huge giveaways too.

1:01In 2024, Canadians showed out nearly $50 million to these frauds, so stick to trusted job sites, verify companies, and never. Share banking info or pay ahead. Staying vigilant keeps your money safe.