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Unfortunately, the holiday season brings with it, some not so nice individuals taking advantage of the vulnerable. Please be sure to discuss the following holiday scams with family and friends:
1. Romance Scam:
A romance scammer uses dating websites, social networking websites or meets in person to defraud people. They communicate using fake photos and profiles.
2. Fake charity Scam:
Phony fundraisers contact you through mail, e-mail or telephone. They claim to represent a charitable organization that may have a similar name to a legitimate charity. Before donating, check the Canada Revenue Agency's website to ensure donation request is legitimate.
3. Fake retailers:
Reputable companies will only ask for credit card information once a transaction has been initiated. Stick to well-known retailers when shopping online.
4. Shipping notification scams:
Be suspicious of any shipping notification emails you receive that do not look quite right as they may contain a virus. Do not click on the link – contact www.canadapost.ca or the shipping company directly
5. Free WiFi:
Avoid the temptation to connect to free WiFi if they are scammers, they will access all the information on your phone including financial information.
6. Holiday SMSing:
Never provide sensitive information through text messages and delete texts asking for account verifications.
7. Gift Card Scam:
Only purchase gift cards from reputable retailers. If someone suggests gift cards as payment for a bill or debt, it is a scam.
8. Targeting Grandparent Scam
In this scam, a con-artist phones and pretends to be a grandchild and suggest they are in trouble and need money right away. They may say they are in hospital, stuck in another country or have gotten into trouble with the law.
9. Credit Card Scam
Calls suggesting, they are your bank representative, and your credit card has been compromised. They will ask you to confirm your card number. Hang up and call your bank directly.
10. Free Gift Cards / Fake Coupons
Nothing is for free! And when its too good to be true it usually is! $10 for a $100 gift card or if you were chosen to receive a $1000 coupon it’s a scam.
More information on common scams and how to report a scam can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/report-scam-or-fraud#section-0