For Temporary Foreign Workers

In danger right now? Call 911
Need confidential help in your language? Call or text VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808 — 24/7, 240+ languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Spanish, Tagalog, French

You Are Not Alone

If someone is threatening you — demanding money, threatening your job, your family, or your immigration status — this is a crime. You are the victim. You have not done anything wrong.

Temporary foreign workers are being specifically targeted by organized extortion groups in Canada. These criminals know that workers on closed permits may fear:

Losing their job and work permit
Being sent back to their home country
Their family finding out
Police not believing them or reporting them to immigration
Their employer punishing them

These fears are exactly why extortionists target you. But you have rights, and there is help.

Common Threats Against TFWs

The “Job Tax” or “Protection Money”

Someone demands regular payments to “protect” your job or workplace. They may claim to have influence over your employer or immigration status.

Threats to Your Family Back Home

They contact family members in your home country and threaten harm if you don’t pay. They may use information from your social media.

Threats to Report You to Immigration

They claim they will report you for working extra hours, changing jobs, or other permit violations — even when you have done nothing wrong.

Recruitment Into Illegal Activity

They offer “easy money” for delivering packages, driving, or other tasks. These tasks are often connected to extortion, drug trafficking, or violence.

Threats to Your Employer or Workplace

They threaten to damage your employer’s business if the employer doesn’t pay — and then blame you for “bringing trouble.”

What to Do If You Are Threatened

1. Do Not Pay

Paying almost never makes the threats stop. It tells the extortionist that you are a target who will pay.

2. Do Not Negotiate Alone

Speak with someone before making any decisions:

VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808 (24/7, confidential, multilingual)
A trusted community member — someone who will not judge you
A lawyer or legal aid — they can explain your actual rights

3. Save Everything

Take screenshots of messages, calls, and threats
Write down dates, times, and what was said
Save phone numbers and social media profiles
Do not delete anything

4. Know Your Rights

Your immigration status:

Being a victim of crime does not automatically make you deportable
In most cases, reporting extortion will not affect your work permit
If your permit is tied to a specific employer, there may be pathways to change employers in emergency situations
Immigration officers and victim services are separate. Police victim services do not report your status to CBSA

Your employment rights:

Your employer cannot legally punish you for being a victim of crime
If you fear employer retaliation, document it and contact the Ministry of Labour in your province

5. Get Legal Help

Legal aid and low-cost services exist specifically for newcomers:

Legal Aid BC: 1-866-577-2525 — free for low-income individuals; can help with immigration and criminal matters
Access Pro Bono: 1-877-762-6664 — free legal advice from volunteer lawyers
MOSAIC: 604-254-9626 — newcomer services in BC
Your local community legal clinic — many provinces have clinics specifically for migrant workers

If you are in a province other than BC:

Search “legal aid [province]” or “community legal clinic [city]”
Many provinces have migrant worker legal clinics

How to Report Safely

If You Fear Retaliation

You can report without giving your name:

Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 — completely anonymous
Online reporting — many police services allow online reporting for non-emergency crimes

If You Want to Report But Need Protection

Tell police or victim services that you fear retaliation
Ask about safety planning
Ask about your rights as a victim — not as a suspect
Request an interpreter if you need one — this is your right

If Your Employer Is Involved or You Fear Losing Your Job

Contact victim services before reporting — they can advise you
Document any employer threats or retaliation
Contact the Ministry of Labour: your province has laws against employer retaliation for crime victimization
Consider speaking with an immigration lawyer before any major decisions

Signs Someone Is Trying to Recruit You

Be extremely cautious if someone:

Offers easy money for delivering packages, driving, or “running errands”
Asks you to open bank accounts or transfer money
Wants you to recruit others from your community
Tells you to keep your work secret from your employer or family
Claims they can “fix” your immigration status for money
Pressures you to meet in person after contacting you online

If this is happening to you, you are being groomed for criminal activity. This is not your fault. Contact VictimLink or police — they have seen this before and can help you get out safely.

Resources by Province

British Columbia

VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808 — 24/7, 240+ languages
MOSAIC: 604-254-9626 — newcomer and settlement services
PICS (Progressive Intercultural Community Services): 604-596-7722 — Surrey, Delta, Abbotsford
DIVERSEcity: 604-597-0205 — multilingual counselling
Surrey Police extortion tip line: 236-485-5149

Alberta

Alberta victim services: Search “Alberta victim services [your city]”
Edmonton Police non-emergency: 311
Calgary Police non-emergency: 403-266-1234

Ontario

Victim Support Line: 1-888-579-2888
Toronto Police non-emergency: 416-808-2222

Manitoba

Manitoba victim services: 1-866-4VICTIM

Saskatchewan

Victim services: Contact your local RCMP detachment or police service

If You Need to Leave Your Employer

If your safety requires leaving your employer:

Document everything — threats, unsafe conditions, demands
Contact victim services first — they can help you understand your options
Speak with an immigration lawyer — there may be pathways to change employers or apply for an open permit
Contact the Ministry of Labour — employer retaliation is illegal in every province

You do not have to figure this out alone.

For Family Members Back Home

If your family is being threatened in your home country:

Do not hide this — it is a common tactic, and silence helps the extortionist
Contact your local police in Canada — they can advise on international reporting
Contact your consulate or embassy — they may have resources or advice
Preserve all evidence of threats to family

Remember: - You are the victim of a crime, not a criminal - Your immigration status does not erase your right to safety - Help is available in your language, confidentially, 24/7 - You do not have to pay, and you do not have to face this alone

Last updated: June 12, 2026 Sources: BC Government, VictimLink BC, CBSA, Surrey Police, Legal Aid BC, MOSAIC