OPP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre are warning about the Twelve Scams of Christmas.
Fraudsters believe Christmas is a time for taking, and you could be the target.
1) Counterfeit Merchandise – Look out for huge and flashy discount ads that direct you to websites that look like the legitimate manufacturers. If you do receive any inferior product, they could pose significant health risks.
2) Selling Goods & Services Online – Be suspicious of payment offers that are more than the asking price and confirm that you have received a legitimate payment before you send the product.
3) Crypto Investments are always a risky proposition; verify if the company is registered by using the National Registration Tool (www.aretheyregistered.ca)
4) Romance Scams – An attractive fake identity can lure the lonely into a costly mistake.
5) Online Shopping – Fraudsters pose as genuine sellers and post fake ads for items that do not exist or are too good to be true.
6) Phishing doesn’t require a licence! Beware of Emails and Texts that look real, but provide fake links to steal your identity from you.
7) Secret Santa is a pyramid scheme variant of a once-authentic giving tradition. Only some may receive the multiple gifts it promises.
8) Prize Notifications – you’ve won a big prize, but have to pay a few fees first.
9) Emergency – your grandson needs bail money.
10) Gift Cards -are not meant for payments and no legitimate business or organization will request them.
11) Identity Theft – someone can steal your PIN by looking over your shoulder.
12) Identity Fraud – pretend to be me, and shop for free!
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
