Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warning public of multiple notorious holiday scams
The Christmas season is a time of giving. But for scammers and fraudsters, it’s a time for taking.
During the holidays, fraudsters become more notorious and shifty when trying to get your money.
“The scammers are becoming more and more advanced with technology and it’s almost impossible as well to capture them because they do use fake IDs and fake websites,” said Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Team Supervisor Sue Labine.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is warning Canadians about the most pesky scams that float around during the holidays. There are 12 unique scams the anti-fraud centre wants you to watch out for:
-
Counterfeit merchandise: where websites are created to look like legitimate manufacturers and offer products at a cheap rate.
-
Selling goods and services: when buying and selling online, both buyers and sellers need to be aware that not all offers are trustworthy. Buyers will try to not pay you or are trying to access your personal information.
-
Fake charities: where fraudsters will use the names of legitimate charities to collect money from those donating.
-
Crypto investment scams: where scammers are using social media and fraudulent websites to lure Canadians into crypto investments.
-
Online Shopping scams: where scammers pose as genuine sellers and post fake ads for items that do not exist. The listing price for almost any item is usually too good to be true.
-
Romance scams: scammers try to play on your emotions and will try entering a relationship with you for the purpose of taking your money or personal information. They will say anything in order to gain your trust.
-
Identify theft and fraud: in all the hustle and bustle of the season, keep your wallet on your person and cover your PIN. While at the same time, don’t share passwords or provide your personal information on impulse.
-
Phishing emails and texts: you may receive messages claiming to be from a recognizable source asking you to submit or confirm your information. They may even include a malicious link.
-
Secret Santa scams: where you may have noticed multiple gift exchange posts on social media. This may seem like a fun activity where you only have to send one gift and receive multiples in return. This scam collects personal information and also hides a pyramid scheme where only those on the top profit.
-
Prize notifications: where you may receive a letter or a call with the good news that you have won something but need to pay a fee first. These methods try and steal your money or personal information.
-
Gift card scams: they should also be considered like cash. Once they are exchanged, it is unlikely that you are getting your money back. Gift cards are not meant for payments and no legitimate business or organization will request these.
- Emergency scams: where a supposed loved one is reaching out to you because they need money. You can verify the person's identity by asking them questions a stranger wouldn't know.
“Make sure sure you do your due diligence,” said Labine. “If it’s too good to be true, it’s definitely a red flag.”
Canadians have lost $163 million to various scams this year as compared to $106 million in 2020. In North Bay, reports of fraud is up 9 per cent this year as compared to last year. Police say romance scams are currently making the rounds.
“People who find themselves alone especially at this time of year can be become susceptible to these fraudsters that are professionals,” said North Bay Police Det. Const. Zach Dagg.
Anyone who feels they’ve fallen victim to a scam should notify their local police agency and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.