OPP warns of the “12 Christmas scams”

0


[ad_1]

The spirit of the holidays is a time of giving for most, but it is a time of receiving for deceivers

PRESS RELEASE
SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY PROVINCE OF ONTARIO POLICE
************************
Canadian Fraud Investigators, along with members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, are keen to remind and inform community members of the following 12 holiday scams.

The spirit of the holidays is a time of giving for most, but it is a time of receiving for deceivers. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center highlights the most popular vacation scammers so you can spot them, reject them, report them, and be happy.

1) Counterfeit goods – Watch out for huge and eye-catching discount ads directing you on websites that look like the legitimate manufacturers. If you receive substandard products, they can pose significant health risks.

2) Selling goods and services online – Be suspicious of any payment offers that are above the asking price and confirm that you have received legitimate payment before shipping the product.

3) Crypto Investing – Scammers use social media and fraudulent websites. Before investing, do some research about the investment. Research the team behind the offer and analyze the feasibility of the project. Check that the company is registered using the national registration tool (www.aretheyregistered.ca)

4) romance scam – An attractive fake identity lures you into its web of lies spun with loving messages and sweet promises. The scammers play with your emotions to maximize their payday over time.

5) online shopping – Scammers pretend to be real sellers and publish fake ads for items that don’t exist. The list price for almost every item (e.g., event ticket, rental, vehicle, and puppy) is usually too good to be true. Do some research before buying. If possible, exchange goods in person or use your credit card to pay.

6) Phishing emails and texts – You may receive messages purporting to be from a identifiable source (e.g. financial institution, telecommunications company, service provider, shipping company) asking you to submit or confirm your information. They can even contain a malicious link.

7) Secret Santa Claus – You may have noticed multiple gift exchange posts on your social media feed. This may seem like a fun activity where all you have to do is send a gift and receive multiples in return. Unfortunately, these exchanges collect some of your personal information and also hide a pyramid scheme that only benefits those who are at the top. Pyramid schemes are illegal in Canada.

8) Prize notifications – You may receive a letter or phone call with the good news; You won millions and a fancy car! First you just need to confirm your personal details and then pay some fees before your winnings can be delivered. Remember, if you didn’t take part, you can’t win. You cannot participate in another country’s lottery without purchasing a ticket in that country. In Canada, fees associated with a prize are deducted from total profit; You would never have to pay upfront fees.

9) emergency – Does a supposedly loved one contact you because they need money now and you are the only one they trust to keep it a secret? Resist the urge to act right away and verify the person’s identity by asking questions a stranger would not know.

10) Gift Cards – Gift cards are a popular and convenient way to give a gift. They should also be viewed like cash; After exchanging, it is unlikely that you will get your money back. Gift cards are not intended for payment and no legitimate company or organization will request them; especially under pressure.

11) Identity Theft – With all the hustle and bustle of the season.

TO DO: Keep your wallet with you and hide your PIN.

NOT: Share passwords or enter your personal information on the fly.

12) Identity Fraud – Scammers love a good shopping spree; especially when they are using someone else’s name and money. Contact your financial and credit reporting agencies, Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada as soon as you notice:

  1. Suspicious activity in your financial statements.
  2. Unauthorized activity on your credit report.
  3. Letters approving or rejecting loan applications that you have not authorized.
  4. Redirected mail.
  5. Invoices from service providers that you do not use.
  6. Your information was compromised in a database breach.

Anyone suspected of being a victim of cybercrime or fraud should inform the local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If you are not a victim, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center anyway.

************************

[ad_2]

Share.

Comments are closed.