The holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and celebration. But for scammers, it’s prime time to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. With the hustle and bustle of gift shopping, planning gatherings, and year-end tasks, it's easy to overlook warning signs. Protect yourself and your loved ones from the grinches of the holidays by staying informed about these common holiday scams:
Top Holiday Scams to Watch For:
That designer handbag or new gaming console advertised at half price might look like a steal, but it could be fake—or worse, non-existent. Scammers often create professional-looking websites with "too-good-to-be-true" deals. After payment, you may receive a poorly made knockoff or nothing at all. Look for spelling errors on the site and check for secure payment methods before purchasing.
Scammers know people are more likely to donate during the holidays. They impersonate real charities or invent fake ones to tug at your heartstrings. You might get a call, email, or even a door-to-door solicitor asking for contributions. Always verify the charity's legitimacy through trusted sources like the CRA Charity List or CanadaHelps.org.
Gift cards are a go-to holiday gift, but they’re also a target for scammers. Fraudsters tamper with cards in stores, scratching off the PIN to steal the funds once activated. Buying cards from unofficial sellers (like online marketplaces) is especially risky. Stick to purchasing directly from the retailer and inspect the card packaging before buying. This is something we can see in videos like the one seen here:
Fake Secret Santa Schemes
Social media "Secret Santa" gift exchanges promise you’ll receive multiple gifts if you send just one, but many are pyramid schemes in disguise. Others ask for your personal details, which could be used for identity theft. Be cautious about any exchange promoted through random social media posts or strangers.
Shipping Frauds
With the rise in online shopping, scammers send fake notifications claiming issues with your package. Emails or texts impersonate companies like Canada Post or UPS, urging you to click a link to "resolve the issue" or pay extra fees. These links often lead to phishing sites or malware. Always track your packages directly through the retailer’s website or the shipping provider’s official site.
Fake Online Shopping Links
Those flashy ads you see on social media promising massive discounts on electronics, clothes, or toys often lead to fraudulent sites. Once you enter your payment information, you might receive counterfeit goods—or nothing at all. Stick to known retailers and avoid clicking on ads that seem suspicious.
Tips to Protect Yourself:
Avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts or emails. Instead, visit official websites directly. Don't click a link that may look like it is from Amazon containing products with what seems like a "good deal" as it is not, they will steal your money.
Verify charities through platforms like CanadaHelps.org or by checking their CRA registration. Also verify websites by checking reviews and using tools like Trend Micro or NordVPN.
If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to trusted retailers and reputable sites. A luxury car on marketplace that needs no maintenance for a price that seems unreal it is. If a deal is on a website like Amazon but the url is NOT www.amazon.com/ or www.amazon.ca/ DO NOT buy it.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for transactions and ensure websites start with "https://" before entering payment information.
Fake testimonials and five-star reviews can be misleading. Make sure the profiles creating the reviews are valid and make sure the company has been around for a while. Check multiple sources.
Keep records of your orders and expected delivery dates to avoid falling for fake tracking updates that look like emails containing your tracking date. To find most tracking dates on most sites click on your latest order and find the tracking number directly through the site you have made the purchase from.
Report Fraud
If you’ve been targeted or have lost money, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or contact the local police at 1-888-310-1122.
Stay vigilant and keep your holiday season merry and bright by steering clear of these scams!
