In October 2026, a phishing scheme that used counterfeit emails appearing to be from event organizers tried to divert money from artisans taking part in dozens of public procurement events across Quebec.
The fraudulent messages asked the artisans to provide payments or financial information, with the aim of siphoning funds meant for the contracts.
The operation is consistent with earlier fraudsters who have exploited Quebec's public procurement processes by sending fake organizer communications to contractors.