In today’s fast-paced digital world, protecting your business from fraud is more important than ever. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and businesses across all industries, including construction, are at risk. At VICA, we’re committed to helping you stay informed and proactive. Here are expert insights from Canadian Western Bank and the Royal Bank of Canada to help protect your business. 

Three Common Business Scams and How to Protect Against Them 

1. Business Email Compromise (BEC) 

A common scam where fraudsters impersonate company executives or vendors to trick employees into making unauthorized financial transactions. These scams often involve email hacking or spoofing. 

How to Protect Against BEC: 

• Train employees to verify email requests for financial transactions. 

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email accounts. 

• Implement a secondary approval process for financial transactions. 

2. Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing 

• Phishing: Fraudulent emails pretending to be from legitimate sources, asking for sensitive information. 

• Smishing: Scam messages sent via SMS that prompt users to click on malicious links. 

• Vishing: Phone scams where fraudsters impersonate legitimate entities to extract sensitive information. 

How to Protect Against These Scams: 

• Educate employees on identifying suspicious messages. 

• Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. 

• Verify requests through official communication channels. 

3. Malware & Ransomware Attacks 

Malware infections can result in stolen data, system shutdowns, and ransom demands from cybercriminals. 

How to Protect Your Business: 

• Install and regularly update cybersecurity software. 

• Train employees on safe browsing and email practices. 

• Regularly back up critical business data to secure locations. 

For additional cybersecurity resources, visit Get Cyber Safe. 

Five Common Fraud Scenarios Targeting Businesses 

1. CEO Imitation Fraud 

A fraudster impersonates an executive via email, requesting urgent financial transactions or account changes. 

Prevention Tip: Always verify requests for fund transfers through a secondary communication method. 

2. Payments Fraud 

Scammers impersonate vendors or clients, altering payment details to redirect funds. 

Prevention Tip: Implement strict verification procedures before changing payment details. 

3. Cheque Fraud 

Fraudsters forge or alter cheques to divert company funds. 

Prevention Tip: Use electronic payments where possible and reconcile accounts regularly. 

4. Bank Impersonation 

A scammer poses as a bank representative and requests sensitive information. 

Prevention Tip: Never share authentication codes or login credentials over the phone. 

5. Overpayment Scam 

A fraudster sends a cheque for more than the invoiced amount and requests a refund before the cheque clears. 

Prevention Tip: Wait for payments to fully clear before issuing refunds or reimbursements. 

Proactive Fraud Prevention Measures 

Educate Your Employees 

• Conduct ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. 

• Simulate phishing attempts to test and train staff. 

• Encourage employees to report suspicious emails and calls immediately. 

Implement Strong Security Processes 

• Require unique login credentials for all employees. 

• Limit access to sensitive information based on job roles. 

• Require dual approval for financial transactions. 

Invest in Secure Technology 

• Use malware detection and antivirus software across all company devices. 

• Enforce encrypted network access for work applications. 

• Regularly update software to patch vulnerabilities. 

Ongoing investment in fraud prevention is essential to protecting your business. By combining employee education, robust security processes, and advanced technology, your company can create a strong defense against cyber threats and fraudulent activities. 

For more information or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to VICA. 

Stay vigilant and keep your business safe! 

The Province of British Columbia has amended the Ministerial Order adopting the 2024 BC Building Code, introducing a significant exemption for in-stream construction projects. This amendment allows projects with substantial design work completed under the 2018 BC Building Code to defer compliance with the 2024 Code’s adaptable dwelling unit and seismic requirements until March 8, 2027.

The exemption applies to projects that have either a development permit, rezoning application, or completed drawings submitted before March 8, 2024. Developers with qualifying projects will have an additional three years to apply for a building permit under the 2018 BC Building Code, avoiding potential redesigns, delays, and increased costs.

After March 8, 2027, all projects must comply with the full 2024 BC Building Code. However, for those that do not meet the criteria for exemption, the 2024 Code will be enforced starting March 10, 2025.

This change aims to provide stability and certainty for developers navigating the transition to the 2024 BC Building Code. Free resources, including the full BC Codes 2024 and the amended Order, are available on the Building and Safety Standards Branch website. The Branch is also offering educational materials and technical bulletins to assist industry professionals in adapting to the new requirements.

For more information, visit the Building and Safety Standards Branch website and stay up-to-date with the latest guidance.

*The following article was provided by VICA-Member FortisBC

Can you use natural gas in homes while reducing emissions?

Yes, you can. Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)[1] is a sustainable, low-carbon energy that allows builders and developers to pursue natural gas systems without sacrificing emissions reductions. RNG is derived from organic sources, uses existing carbon already within the ecosystem and contributes fewer net new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, making it a low-carbon fuel.

When bacteria break down organic waste from sources such as landfill sites, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities, it produces a biogas mostly made of methane. FortisBC works with local farms, landfills, green energy companies and municipalities to capture and purify this methane, which would otherwise escape into the atmosphere, to create RNG for its customers.

As RNG is derived from organic sources and blends seamlessly into the existing natural gas infrastructure, it decarbonizes the natural gas supply, displaces equivalent volumes of conventional natural gas and lowers greenhouse gas emissions overall. It also means RNG is a drop-in fuel. Homes and businesses can continue to enjoy the benefits of natural gas while helping reduce emissions by subscribing to FortisBC’s RNG program.

If you’re worried about the amount of RNG available, don’t be. FortisBC is working towards having 75 per cent of the natural gas in its system be either renewable or low-carbon by 2050. That’s why the organization is also exploring hydrogen research and pilot projects.

For more information on RNG, visit fortisbc.com/RNG.

[1] Renewable Natural Gas is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create Renewable Natural Gas (also called biomethane).

Learn how to register for your CCPO certification here!

Those who hold the Certified Concrete Pump Operator Certification (CCPO) have demonstrated theoretical knowledge of concrete pump operations and they have shown they can apply this knowledge by working competently in the field. The CCPO can open the door to well paying employment and career advancement. As a CCPO, you can be proud to be part of an elite group of technically qualified personnel. But you will be expected to uphold high standards of ethical and safety standards. We welcome your registration!

4 steps before you register:

1. Read the Overview

It contains the background information you need to determine if the CCPO is right for you.

2. Know the Exams

There are two (2) exams that you must take and pass to get your CCPO.

3. Understand the Policies

Before you register make sure that you know and agree to all of the certification rules and regulations.

4. Lets Get Started!

Go to the CCPO Portal