Airdrie and Rocky View residents already bracing for a possible Canada Post strike are now being warned about a second risk: scammers.
In a May 21 news release, the Better Business Bureau Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay warned that fraudsters often exploit postal disruptions by sending fake delivery messages or impersonating mail carriers to steal personal or banking information.
"During the previous postal shutdown (November/December 2024) there were media reports of an uptick in scams," said Mary O'Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of the BBB.
The agency reported schemes last year included phishing messages impersonating Canada Post and requesting sensitive data.
"The public and businesses should also watch out for fake delivery scams prior to and during any postal strike," O'Sullivan-Andersen said in the BBB's May 21 bulletin. "Visit the website for the shipping company in question. Always verify. This can be done by telephone and speaking to a customer service agent at any legitimate shipping company."
She added: "Canada Post will never reach out to you by email to request credit card or banking information, account information such as your password, or payments to release deliveries or to access updated tracking information. That's a scam. Don't fall for it."
Airdrie, Rocky View issue delivery warnings
Earlier this week, Rocky View County said a strike could affect the delivery of development permit notices, utility bills and other mail-based services.
"Disruption of Notice of Decision (NODs) to neighbours and stakeholders could be interrupted," the county stated in a notice posted May 20.
Residents were directed to online portals or staff contacts for updates.
Last week, the City of Airdrie issued a similar warning ahead of its annual tax notice mailout.
"A potential Canada Post strike could impact when you receive your mail," the city stated in a notice posted to its website.
CUPW, Canada Post confirm looming job action
Canada Post confirmed Tuesday it had received 72-hour strike notices from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, representing both urban and rural mail carriers.
"The notices indicate that CUPW intends to begin strike activity as of Friday, May 23 at 12:00 a.m. local time, unless the parties reach agreements before then," the corporation said in a media release.
"In the event of a national labour disruption, mail and parcels will not be delivered and no new items will be accepted until the disruption is over."
"All mail and parcels in our network will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible once operations resume," the corporation stated.
Canada Post said it expects to post another significant loss for 2024 and is relying on $1.034 billion in repayable federal funding to prevent insolvency.
CUPW confirmed the action on its website, stating the strike notice responded in part to the employer's indication that it may unilaterally change working conditions and suspend employee benefits.
"There is still time to return to the bargaining table," the union stated. "We remain committed to negotiating collective agreements and urge the employer to do the same."
"Our goal continues to be negotiated collective agreements that support the well-being of workers, the communities we serve, and the sustainability of the public post," CUPW stated.
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