Online scams spike during the holidays
Stay Alert for Online Scams During the Holiday Season
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, the holiday shopping frenzy is in full swing. Consumers are on the lookout for the best deals on gifts for their loved ones. However, authorities like the RCMP and the Better Business Bureau are cautioning shoppers that the attractive deals they see online may be too good to be true.
According to Stefanie Lasuik, communications manager at the Better Business Bureau’s Central Canada bureau, there has been a significant increase in online holiday scams. She stated, “Online scams during the holidays can increase by as much as 183 per cent, which is quite alarming.”
Lasiuk explained that scammers take advantage of the holiday season and the urgency to find specific items for loved ones. They prey on consumers’ holiday spirit and time constraints to deceive them.
Sgt. Paul Manaigre from the Manitoba RCMP warned that scammers are using sophisticated tactics like phishing sites and impersonating popular websites to lure unsuspecting shoppers. He emphasized the need for vigilance during this time when scammers are most active.
Popular gifts like Stanley tumblers have also become a target for scammers. They create authentic-looking websites with lower prices to attract buyers but never deliver the products. Lasuik highlighted the increasing sophistication of scammers in creating deceptive websites.
To protect yourself from falling victim to online scams, both Lasuik and Manaigre advise shoppers to be cautious. They recommend verifying the legitimacy of websites and sellers, double-checking addresses, and not rushing into purchases.
When buying from platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Manaigre suggests meeting in public and inspecting the items before making a purchase. He emphasized the importance of not falling for deals that seem too good to be true.
Both experts stress the need to take time and research before making online purchases to avoid scams. Lasuik advised, “Never feel rushed by a purchase,” while Manaigre urged consumers to do their homework to stay safe.
-With files from CTV’s Alex Karpa.
