As holiday spending surges, so do the activities of scammers. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has identified 14 common scams that pose a risk during the festive season. Their advice? Recognize, reject, report, and keep your holiday cheerful.
“The tree is cut, the lights are strung, the cocoa is hot, and the stockings are hung. Don’t let a mean one spoil your festive fun!” the Centre posted on X.
The 14 Scams to Watch Out For This Holiday Season
- Online Shopping Fraud
Scammers create fake ads for in-demand items at irresistible prices. Avoid falling for deals that seem too good to be true—research sellers thoroughly and use secure payment methods. - Selling Scams
Sellers are also at risk. Beware of buyers offering more than the asking price. Verify payments before shipping items, especially when selling vehicles online. - Counterfeit Products
Fraudulent websites often mimic legitimate brands and offer suspiciously low prices. If you receive substandard products, they may pose health risks. - Shipping Scams
Fake delivery notifications request personal or payment information under the pretense of a delayed package. Only trust official communications from shipping companies. - Cellphone and Internet Deals
Fraudsters posing as service providers offer enticing promotions. Always initiate contact with your provider directly to confirm any offers. - Secret Santa Schemes
Social media gift exchanges may appear fun but often conceal illegal pyramid schemes and collect personal information. - Gift Card Fraud
When purchasing gift cards, inspect them for tampering. Remember, gift cards are never a legitimate payment method for businesses or services. - Charity Scams
Verify charities before donating. High-pressure tactics or unregistered organizations are red flags. Confirm legitimacy through the Canada Revenue Agency. - Crypto Investment Scams
Fraudulent cryptocurrency investment opportunities abound on social media. Research thoroughly before committing funds. - Emergency Scams
Scammers pose as distressed loved ones requesting immediate financial help. Always verify their identity before acting. - Romance Scams
Fraudsters exploit emotional vulnerabilities during the holidays, luring victims into fake relationships to gain money. Never send funds to someone you haven’t met. - Phishing Attacks
Beware of messages claiming to be from trusted organizations requesting personal information or leading to malicious links. - Fake Prize Notifications
Claims of winning prizes often require payment of fees to claim rewards. Legitimate contests don’t demand advance payments. - Recovery Scams
Fraudsters impersonate officials offering to recover previous losses for a fee. Never provide banking details to unsolicited contacts.
What to Do If You’re a Victim
If you suspect fraud or cybercrime, report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or at 1-888-495-8501.
Stay vigilant and protect your holidays from scammers!