Police warn of holiday scams: Here’s what to watch for

Police are warning the public to be careful and stay vigilant against scams. CTV Windsor’s Travis Fortnum has more on how to protect yourself.

Holiday shopping season is in full swing – and police say scammers know it.

“Fraudsters and scammers, they don’t take a break during the holidays,” said Const. Alaina Atkins with the LaSalle Police Service.

“If anything, they see it as an opportunity to try and get more victims.”

Atkins said people rushing to buy gifts, hunting for deals or trying to save money before Christmas often let their guard down.

“There’s definitely more likeliness that people are going to fall to these scams because the urgency of wanting things by Christmas,” she said.

To help people stay ahead of the Grinch this season, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has released its annual 12 Frauds of the Holidays list.

Jeff Horncastle, client and communications outreach officer with the CAFC, said the campaign is meant to remind people that the holidays can make them more vulnerable.

“It’s a time of year that we know can get really busy… we’re a little more vulnerable for certain types of fraud,” he said.

“Always take the time you need to analyze what you’ve received.”

Here’s the CAFC’s list — and what each scam looks like:

1. Online shopping

Fake websites or ads offering brand-name items at huge discounts.

Items arrive counterfeit or not at all.

2. Selling goods and services

Scammers pose as buyers, offer to overpay or insist you send money before they “complete” a purchase.

If you’re selling something, never forward money to a stranger.

3. Shipping frauds

Texts or emails impersonating delivery companies (including Canada Post) claiming incomplete information or fees owing.

Horncastle said the goal is to steal credit card details once you click through.

4. Cellphone promo frauds

Callers pretend to be major providers offering free smartphones or discounted plans, then use your personal information to order devices in your name.

5. Investments

Fraudulent crypto pitches spreading through social media and “wrong number” texts.

Horncastle said many people seek quick money at this time of year.

6. Romance fraud

Scammers build online relationships, then request money – often preying on loneliness around the holidays.

7. Recovery offers

Fraudsters pretend to be police or “recovery agents” offering to help victims get their money back – for a fee.

8. Gift cards

Atkins warns scammers sometimes record card numbers in-store.

“Double check it before you purchase it… verify the receipt gift card number matches the actual gift card number,” she said.

9. Donating

Fake charities pop up during the season of giving.

Always check a charity’s registration number before donating.

10. Prize and vacation scams

Messages claim you’ve won big – but must pay fees or confirm personal information first.

If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win.

11. Toll-route and infraction phishing texts

Horncastle said scammers impersonate toll agencies or border routes and claim you owe fees.

Messages include urgent warnings and malicious links.

12. Identity theft and fraud

Fraudsters use stolen personal information to open accounts or make purchases.

Keep cards secure and never share passwords.

Atkins said one of the biggest local issues right now is fraud on resale sites, especially Facebook Marketplace – where shoppers e-transfer money for items that never exist.

“If something sounds too good to be true, use caution,” she said.

“I would never give money to somebody online that I’ve never met in person.”

She emphasizes sharing this information with relatives, especially seniors.

“It ultimately saves your family members from a lot of heartache or a lot of stress,” she said.

Horncastle said slowing down is often enough to avoid becoming a victim.

“The common tactic the fraudsters use is that sense of urgency,” he said.

“In most cases, you’ll save yourself from being a victim.”

Anyone targeted by fraud is encouraged to report it to their local police service and the CAFC.