The holiday season is a busy time for many. For those who are shopping or receiving deliveries, here are a few things to keep in mind, to keep your purchases safe and so that you don’t become a victim of fraud:
“Porch Pirates”:
If you’re shopping online and expecting deliveries, make sure to have a plan to safely receive them. And if you can’t be home when they arrive, have a safe space they can be left that can’t be seen from the street.
Brick and Morter Shopping:
If you shop in person, never leave packages that can be seen in your vehicle. Make sure to lock them in your trunk.
Online Shopping:
Fraudsters pose as genuine sellers and post fake ads for items that do not exist. The listing price for most items is usually too good to be true. Research before you buy. Whenever possible, exchange goods in person or use your credit card for payment.
Counterfeit Merchandise:
Counterfeiters create websites that look like legitimate manufacturers and offer products at a huge discount. Look out for flashy discount ads that direct you to websites that look legitimate. If you do receive any inferior/counterfeit products, they could pose significant health risks. Protect yourself by:
- thoroughly researching a website before purchasing from it
- searching for warnings posted online about the seller/website
Charity Scams:
Giving, for many, is part of the holiday season, make sure your donations are going to the right place. Charity/donation scams involve misleading or fraudulent solicitation for a donation to a charity, association, federation or religious cause. Refuse high pressure requests for donations, ask for written information about the charity and do your own research. Remember to always ask for the charitable tax number and confirm their registration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or by phone at 1-800-267-2384.
Secret Santa:
You may have noticed gift exchange posts on your social media feeds. This may seem like a fun activity where you only have to send one gift and receive multiples in return. Unfortunately, these gift exchanges often hide that fact that they are a pyramid scheme, where only those at the top profit. Pyramid schemes are illegal in Canada.
Emergency:
Is a supposed loved one reaching out to you because they need money now and you’re the only one they trust to keep it a secret? Resist the urge to act immediately and verify the person’s identity by making the outgoing call you have listed for them in your contact list.
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Holidays are a busy time for everyone. However, if you remember to slow down, take a breath, do a bit more research, or check in with someone you trust, you’ll have better chance of avoiding fraud, and have a happier holiday.
More information on frauds and how to avoid becoming a victim available here:
https://saanichpolice.ca/crime-prevention/financial-crimes/
https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2021/11/holiday-fetes-eng.htm
Jason Hallman | Communications Advisor