It's estimated Canadians will spend $15 billion over the holiday season, and much of that will take place online.

Fraudsters don’t take a holiday, and to help keep you safe, here are 12 scams to watch out for this Christmas season:

Misleading Ads on Social Media

If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. So before you click "buy" on that amazing and cheaply priced product, head to the business’s profile on BBB.org to see if they are listed and read any reviews to help ensure the company and the product are legitimate.

The Hottest Toy of the Season, and Super Cheap

Popular toys offered at a lower price than anywhere else should raise a red flag. If you do get the item, it may be a knockoff instead of the actual product, which explains the lower price. Be wary of buying those popular toys from Facebook Marketplace and other resale platforms.

The Chance to "Give a Gift" in Secrecy

The online version of a “Secret Santa” suggests you buy a gift or send money to ‘pay it forward’ to a total stranger. Not only could you lose your money or gift, but you may also give up personal information about yourself, your family, or your friends.

The best way to avoid this scam is to buy from businesses you know and trust.

Free Gift Cards for the Whole Family

The word “free” is an eye-grabbing phrase used a lot in marketing, but scammers use it in mass emails or text messages to request personal information in exchange for "free" gift cards.

If you receive an unsolicited email with gift card offers, do not open it or click on any links. Instead, mark it as spam and delete it.

Impostor Sites or Fake Profiles

It's important to be on the lookout for fake websites designed to trick you into downloading malware, making dead-end purchases, or sharing private information.

Tips:

1. Check the URL
   • Look for https:// at the beginning of the website's address or URL. The "s" means the site uses encryption, making it more secure.
   • Check for misspellings or extra words in well-known domains like "faceboook.com" instead of "facebook.com."
   • Keep an eye out for unusual website extensions like .xyz or .site instead of .com, .ca, or .org.
2. Examine Trust Indicators
   • Look for trust badges, such as “Secure Checkout” or recognized certificates (e.g., Norton, BBB accreditation). Verify these if possible.
   • Check for client testimonials or links to credible reviews.
   • When in doubt, use tools like Whois Lookup or Google Safe Browsing to verify the site’s history and safety.

Donation Requests from Phony Charities

'Tis the season of giving, but be aware that scammers are counting on your generosity, creating fraudulent charities, and even pretending to be people in need to get your money.

Avoid donating to charities you are unfamiliar with, especially if they pressure you to act quickly. You can verify the charity's legitimacy on the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Fake Shipping Notifications

You may have ordered a lot of items for delivery over the holidays, but make sure the confirmation or delivery email came from a legitimate source.

If you receive an email or text about a package you’re not expecting, don’t open it or click on any links. Go back to the website you used to buy the item or find the original email or text confirmation you received from the store and use the link they provided.

Holiday Apps and More for Free

There's a never-ending list of holiday-themed apps out there, but before downloading anything, review the app’s privacy policy to make sure you understand what information you are giving up. It's a good idea to read the reviews as well and be wary of free apps as they sometimes contain malware or code designed to steal your information.

Get Rich Quick Investments

This is one to watch out for year-round, but the holidays can make us especially vulnerable. A red flag would be someone who reaches out to you online or over the phone with an investment opportunity, especially one that requires you to act fast or lose out.

Do your research before making any investment, and consult trustworthy sources like your investment advisor or CheckFirst.ca before investing your money.

Wonderful Advent Calendars

There are more and more advent calendars sold each year, and now many offer "luxury" treats. Unfortunately, sometimes the calendars never arrive, or an inferior product is delivered in place of what was promised. Make sure you're purchasing from a legitimate source.

Pets Too Cute to Believe

The Calgary Humane Society suggests you don't give a pet for Christmas and instead take your time to make this important decision. If you are looking for a furry friend this holiday, beware that some pet advertisements online may be fake. Never buy a pet without seeing it in person first. Consider adopting your fur baby from your local humane shelter.

Employment That's Way Too Easy

Retailers and delivery services often hire extra staff around this time of year, but be wary of taking a job offer from an employer you have never met, especially if it's unsolicited. They could be trying to steal your personal information.

If the scammers are successful they will be enjoying the holidays with a Grinch-like smile.  Do your best to protect yourself and send them a lump of coal instead! Even then, a lump of coal goes for around $0.12 CAD.
Happy Holidays from everyone at the PKAG team.