Beware of scams this holiday season

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2024 02:29:07 +0000

With the holidays round the corner, scammers are working overtime to con Canadians out of their money. The recent disruption of postal services caused by the Canada Post strike worsened the problem. According to a report by The Canadian Press, Canadians are encountering a rise in scams, fraudulent activities, including phishing emails and deepfake calls. The combination of the strike and the holiday season has amplified these scams, especially those targeting parcel and delivery-related confusion. Fraud attempts typically surge during the busy shopping season, but the disruption at Canada Post has only intensified the issue.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning when the Canada Post strike began, advising consumers to be cautious of fake package delivery offers. It recommended verifying delivery services, avoiding unsolicited shipments from unfamiliar companies, and ensuring the service provider is accredited by the Bureau before making any decisions. BBB also cautioned against falling for pyramid schemes during the holiday season.

An official statement by the BBB warns, “Pyramid selling focuses on generating profits by recruiting others and not primarily from the sale of products. Thus, even when these schemes offer products, the products may have very little value, or few incentives for their sale. It is a criminal offence to establish, operate, advertise, or promote a pyramid selling scheme.” The bureau further warns against the “Secret Sister” gift exchange, one of many schemes that resurface every holiday season, often promising multiple gifts in return for sending just one. Variations of the scam include sending wine, bourbon, or $10 gifts, or even money through e-transfers. Participants are often asked to share personal information, and the scam relies on a continuous cycle of new recruits. Once the chain stops, so do the gifts, leaving victims empty-handed.

How to avoid similar scams:

• Ignore it! Keep in mind that pyramid schemes are international. Chain letters involving money or valuable items and promising big returns are illegal. Stop and ask, is it worth breaking the law?
• Report it to the social media platform. If you receive an invitation to join a pyramid scheme on social media, report it to the platform.
• Never give your personal information to strangers. Even your mailing address can expose you to identity theft and other scams.
• Be wary of false claims. Some pyramid schemes try to win your confidence by claiming they’re legal and endorsed by the government. These impostor schemes are false, as the government will never endorse illegal activity. No matter what they claim, pyramid schemes will not make you rich. You will receive little to no money back on your “investment” or gift exchange.

Stay safe this holiday season with BBB’s expert tips on avoiding common scams. 

If you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Sharing your experience can help others avoid falling victim to similar scams.

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