How to avoid being a victim of popular holiday scams
Provincial police are issuing a warning amid the season of scams, cautioning against becoming a victim of several frauds.
Police say the holidays are prime time for swindlers to take advantage of others.
"The holidays are a magical time for most, but for scammers, it's a time for the taking," the OPP states in a release on Wednesday.
Police say there are multiple popular holiday scams to be wary about, adding, "you can recognize them, reject them and report them."
Scams to be mindful of include:
Online shopping
Fraudsters post fake ads for items that don't exist.
"The listing price for almost any item is usually too good to be true," OPP states.
Police say the posts can be for almost any item, including event tickets, rentals, vehicles and even puppies.
Secret Santa
Gift exchange posts are popping up on social media, but police say be warned.
While it may seem like a fun activity where you send one item to receive many in return, it's a way for scammers to collect personal information.
"It also hides a pyramid scheme where only those on top profit," police noted.
Identity Theft
Police suggest keeping your wallet on your person and covering your PIN when entering it.
Never share passwords or give personal information on impulse.
Other popular scams include:
- Posing as a loved one in an emergency over the phone to have money or gift cards sent
- Selling counterfeit merchandise
- Fraudulent websites for investments
- Romance scam where a long-distance relationship turns into one person sending money to another
- Phishing emails and texts claiming to be a recognizable source asking for money or personal information
- Identity fraud
- Phony prize notifications
"Remember, if you didn't enter, you can't win," the OPP says. "You can't enter another country's lottery without purchasing a ticket from within that country."
All scams should be reported online with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's online system.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.