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.
