Urgent Alert: Big White Ski Resort Staff Lose $15,000 to Rental Scam

URGENT UPDATE: Staff members at Big White Ski Resort have lost over $15,000 collectively to a fraudulent housing scam, just as the ski season approaches. Scammers are exploiting a tight rental market, targeting seasonal workers with fake rental listings that appear legitimate.

In the last two weeks, between 12 and 15 employees have been deceived into sending deposits for non-existent properties, according to Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president at the resort. “People need to be aware that everything you see on the internet you might not want to believe,” Ballingall warned.

Scammers pose as landlords, claiming to offer attractive rental options on the mountain. Ballingall explained, “They’re pretending that this is their condo, their unit, and that it’s for rent for the year. You just have to send a deposit and it’s yours.” Unfortunately, many staffers are discovering too late that these listings are completely fake.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning for renters to remain vigilant when searching for housing online. “You want to do your research before you provide any money in advance,” said Simone Lis of the BBB. She emphasized the importance of recognizing red flags such as unusual payment methods or high-pressure tactics to make immediate deposits.

“If you contact them and there’s a lot of pressure to put a deposit down now, or to pay through something like a wire transfer that isn’t reversible, be cautious,” Lis cautioned.

While Big White does provide staff-specific accommodation, the demand far exceeds the available supply. “We’ve spent over $25 million building apartments. We now have 676 units for our staff to stay on the mountain,” Ballingall stated. He added that the resort’s workforce has grown to over 1,800 staff members wanting to work and play at Big White.

The resort encourages anyone uncertain about a rental listing to contact them directly for verification. As the ski season ramps up, it’s crucial for staff to protect themselves from these scams. This situation is developing rapidly, and more victims are likely to emerge if precautions are not taken.

Stay tuned for updates as authorities continue to investigate these fraudulent activities and provide guidance for affected staff. Your vigilance could save you from becoming the next victim in this alarming trend.