You know you’ve had a rough first night in a new place when you end up sleeping in a hotel lobby! But that’s exactly how it started for Kelise Williams when she arrived in Calgary from Trinidad and Tobago with her two small kids. Out of that “rough night” came the idea for UpRow—an app that’s now changing the lives of over 5,000 newcomers to Canada. Let’s dive into how UpRow is making settlement safer, faster, and scam-free!
UpRow is a game-changing settlement app that helps immigrants and newcomers navigate the overwhelming process of settling in Canada. The app connects them to everything from housing to immigration lawyers, all while ensuring they avoid falling victim to scams—a risk that’s twice as high for newcomers, according to Scotiabank's 2024 Fraud Poll.
How It Works:
- One-Stop Shop: UpRow uses artificial intelligence to recommend personalized resources, including housing, legal services, and career coaching.
- Verified Service Providers: Every service listed on UpRow goes through a background check to ensure newcomers aren’t led into scams or fraud.
- Community & Connection: The app has also built a strong community, where users can share advice, access local events, and find emotional support during the often lonely process of settling in a new country.
Who’s Targeted?
UpRow was built for newcomers to Canada, particularly those feeling lost in a sea of overwhelming information. The app’s users include international students, families, and immigrants like Williams, who arrived unprepared and discovered how easy it was to fall into scams or bad service.
Real-Life Example:
When Kimberly Jacob-Rambharose moved to Edmonton in 2022 to attend the University of Alberta, she connected with Kelise Williams through UpRow. Kimberly had already planned most of her move, but with Williams' help, she was able to avoid shady services and navigate the process of setting up utilities and finding financial help. As Kimberly puts it, "It makes things easier, like a one-stop shop."
Why You Should Care:
Newcomers to any country are vulnerable to fraud and misinformation, and the stakes are high. For instance, connecting with the wrong immigration lawyer or housing service could lead to financial losses or even legal trouble. UpRow protects newcomers by offering verified services and a community of support—taking the stress and fear out of the settlement process.
How to Protect Yourself:
Here’s how UpRow is keeping immigrants safe, and what you can do to protect yourself:
- Use Trusted Resources: Make sure you’re using verified services. Apps like UpRow screen service providers, so you don’t have to.
- Stay Alert for Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited offers or deals that seem too good to be true. Fraudsters often target immigrants by posing as housing agents or legal consultants.
- Join Support Networks: Connect with others in the same boat. The UpRow app fosters a community where newcomers can share experiences, ask questions, and get advice.
- Check Reviews: Before using any service—especially for things like legal help—look at reviews or ask for recommendations from trusted sources.
Quick Tips:
- Did You Know? Immigrants in Canada are twice as likely to fall for scams compared to non-immigrants, making apps like UpRow essential for protecting yourself.
- Pro Tip: Before signing any documents or agreeing to services, always verify the legitimacy of the service provider through trusted sources like UpRow.
Ever faced challenges as a newcomer or know someone who has? Share your story with us! It could help someone else avoid the pitfalls of settling in a new country.
Stay safe, stay informed, and let UpRow be your guide through the maze of moving to a new place!
Key Terms Explained:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): In this context, AI refers to the technology that UpRow uses to recommend personalized services based on user needs, such as housing, legal help, or career advice.
- Fraud Poll: A survey conducted to measure how likely people, in this case, immigrants, are to become victims of scams. Scotiabank's 2024 Fraud Poll highlighted that newcomers are particularly vulnerable.
- Verified Service Providers: These are businesses or professionals that have passed a background check to ensure they are legitimate and safe for users to interact with.
- Settlement App: A digital platform designed to help immigrants find resources and support when moving to a new country.
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