We have received reports of fraudulent emails targeting ByWard Market vendors.

These messages falsely claim to come from the ByWard Public Market and request a $200 refundable "booth damage deposit" via Interac e-Transfer to secure a vendor space.

These requests are fraudulent. Do not send money.

How to recognize these messages

Reported warning signs include:

• Emails sent from unofficial Gmail or other personal email accounts.

• Urgent subject lines such as "ACTION REQUIRED" or "URGENT ACTION."

• Generic greetings such as "Dear vendor."

• Messages congratulating recipients on becoming an "approved vendor."

• Unexpected requests for refundable deposits to secure or hold a market booth.

All legitimate vendor invoices are issued through Marketspread, the BMDA's official vendor booking and payment platform.

Never make a payment without verifying the invoice through an official BMDA channel.

⚠️ BE AWARE: Not All Events Advertised in the ByWard Market Are Organized or Endorsed by the BMDA.

We are aware of situations in which individuals or organizations have claimed to organize events in the ByWard Market or to be working in partnership with the BMDA without authorization.

These claims may appear in event advertisements, social media posts, emails, sponsorship proposals, vendor recruitment messages, or other promotional materials.

In some cases, individuals may use the ByWard Market name, reference the BMDA, or imply an official partnership to make their activities appear legitimate.

An event being advertised as taking place in the ByWard Market does not automatically mean it is organized, approved, sponsored, or endorsed by the BMDA.

The district hosts a wide variety of events and activities throughout the year, including independently organized initiatives. While many are legitimate, organizers should not claim BMDA involvement without authorization.

Be cautious when:

• An event organizer claims to represent the BMDA without providing verifiable information.

• An event is advertised as an official ByWard Market or BMDA initiative, but no confirmation is available through official channels.

• You are asked to pay vendor registration fees, sponsorship fees, or other charges to an unfamiliar individual or organization.

• Promotional materials use the ByWard Market name or BMDA branding in a way that suggests an official partnership.

• An organizer pressures you to make an immediate payment or commitment without providing clear event details.

Before registering as a vendor, purchasing tickets, committing to a sponsorship, or making a payment:

Check the event organizer. Identify the organization or individual responsible for the event and verify their contact information.

Confirm any claimed BMDA affiliation. If an event is advertised as being organized, supported, or endorsed by the BMDA, contact us directly to verify that relationship.

Review official communications. Check the BMDA's official website and communication channels for information about events we organize or promote. Remember that independently organized events may not appear on our channels.

Verify before paying. Be cautious of unexpected payment requests, particularly those sent through personal email accounts or unofficial payment platforms.

When in doubt, contact us at info@bmda.ca

• we never use Gmail, Hotmail, or other personal email accounts. All ByWard Market emails come from addresses ending in:

  • @bmda.ca for emails coming directly from a staff person

  • @messenger.marketspread.com for communications and invoices via Marketspread (you can always log into your Marketspread account and see these messages in the app)

  • @notification.intuit.com if you are expecting an invoice through Quickbooks

• All stand and rental payments are made through Marketspread, our booking and payment system. We also use Quickbooks for some limited non-standard fees, but all vendor invoices will be sent via Marketspread.

• While we do offer e-Transfer as a payment option, this is only ever in relation to a Marketspread invoice and the only email address to send e-transfers to is info@bmda.ca. We will never ask you to pay by gift card, or any other method by email.

• We will never ask you to pay money to "secure" or "hold" a spot through an email you weren't expecting.

Whether you are a vendor, business owner, event participant, or visitor, a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of fraud.

1. Verify before you trust.
Do not assume a message or event is legitimate simply because it mentions the ByWard Market or the BMDA.

2. Check the source.
Look carefully at email addresses, websites, social media accounts, and organizer information.

3. Be cautious of unexpected payment requests.
Never send money without confirming who is requesting it and what the payment is for.

4. Watch for pressure tactics.
Fraudsters may create a false sense of urgency to encourage quick decisions.

5. Verify partnerships and affiliations.
If someone claims to represent or collaborate with the BMDA, contact us directly to confirm.

6. Report suspicious activity.
Sharing information about potential scams helps us identify patterns and alert the wider community.

We encourage you to report any communication, advertisement, or payment request that appears to falsely represent the ByWard Market or the BMDA.

Contact us: info@bmda.ca

When reporting suspicious activity, please include any relevant information, such as:

• Screenshots of emails, messages, or advertisements.

• The name and contact information of the individual or organization involved.

• Links to suspicious websites or social media posts.

• Details of any payment requests.

• The name, date, or location of an event being promoted.

This information can help us assess the situation and share appropriate warnings with the community.

If You Have Already Sent Money

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam:

Contact your financial institution immediately. Acting quickly may help limit financial losses.

You can also report suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:

Phone: 1-888-495-8501
Online: Report Cybercrime and Fraud

The ByWard Market is home to a vibrant community of businesses, vendors, residents, event organizers, and visitors.

Protecting the trust and integrity of this community is a shared responsibility.

The BMDA will continue to share information about reported scams, misleading representations, and other potentially fraudulent activities involving the district.

Remember: If someone claims to represent the BMDA or organize an event in partnership with us, you can always contact us to verify their claims.

Questions or concerns?
Contact the ByWard Market District Authority at info@bmda.ca.