Sing it like a carol: “It’s the most busiest time of the year…” which is why you need to be on high alert, when it comes to calls, texts, emails and too-good-to-be-true deals. Add on to the Santa-long list: fake charities, shopping site impersonation, phish-y delivery confirmations, cold calls from posers of banks, stores and package delivery companies, and even those falsely claiming that you’ve been scammed, all just to get your financial log-ins, verification codes and more. 

How many scams happen in Canada?

The shopping season kicks off on Black Friday, but scam season is never ending. Recent data reports that there were more than 500 fraud reports per every 100,000 Canadians in 2024, (436 reports of general fraud, 65 identity fraud and theft, and 32 extortions), according to Statistics Canada. And that number keeps rising since. 

Plus, if you add on the unreported scams, those numbers are much, much higher, as there are some who feel too embarrassed as a victim to get the police involved. 

There are certain times of the year when scam activity rises, including tax season (which is why March is Fraud Awareness Month in Canada), the holidays, summertime and back to school. But, really, scams don’t ever seem to go out of style, as this is a year-round criminal business. 

Why now specifically though? We’re busy. We’re stressed. We don’t have the mental space or the time to deal with unexpected issues or problems. It’s the busiest season of all, remember (as we just sang!). 

While this all reads as dire, it’s meant for awareness. Just to show how common it is and how often it happens, as well as reveal ways to spot a scammer. Here are some common scams to watch out for, and what to do if you suspect you’re a victim of fraud. 

Interac e-transfer and PayPal scams​

This crime aims to get you to reveal your banking information, including PIN (personal identification number), whether you’re given a link to log in to your bank account or accept a money transfer, or you buy something from someone and never receive it. Setting up auto deposits is one way to protect your account. Never ever share sensitive information, and that includes verification codes. Check URLs for anything that seems out of place, like misspellings, typos and unusually named websites.  

Brushing scam

This is when you receive packages and products you didn’t order. It’s called that because it was meant to “brush up” products as legitimate, with fake reviews and orders. You may be asked to pay for it—don’t give your credit card and other personal information over the phone, online, text message or otherwise. Confirm the support phone number and email addresses online before you engage with a potential scam artist.  

Check your credit report and card bills for any activity you don't recognize. Change your passwords on the account (like Amazon), as well as your email too. Someone knowing your name and address likely means your information has been compromised. (Here’s how to report a transaction issue with your Neo credit card.)

Temu and Kiwi scams

If a deal seems too good to be true, it just might be. Sure there are websites like Temu and Kiwi that offer great deals, but their thrifty reputations make them easy ruses to scam you out of your money. If you ever see an online ad for something you want to buy, confirm the website is real. Don’t just click willy-nilly. Check the URL to make sure it’s legit, and go directly to the website. You’ll want to see “https://” at the beginning of the URL and a padlock in the browser. Also look to sites like Reddit and the Better Business Bureau, for reviews of the retailer. 

How to check if a website is a scam: Check Google's Safe Browsing site status tool. 

Canada Post scam texts and Purolator scams​

Did you just order something from Amazon? Are you waiting for a courier delivery? Of course you’re anticipating something you bought online. That’s why these scams are so prevalent and easy to fall for. But here’s the kicker: You’ll be told there's trouble delivering your package in time… but if you can pay a fee, confirm your credit information and other personal details, it will come just in time for the holidays! Yeah right. That’s a red flag.

Always check the tracking number online, at the legitimate website, if you’re concerned about the timeliness of a delivery. Plus, you paid for the delivery when you ordered, and there should be no reason to pay any more. Also, block numbers and emails (and report it with a tap, too!) that look suspicious.

CRA scams

While posing as the Canada Revenue Agency via text, calls, emails and physical mail happens often around tax season, this tactic by scammers happens all year round, including the holidays. With end-of-year deadlines, like donating to charities, tax-free savings account (TFSA) contributions, and more, it’s just too easy to think you need to respond quickly to a letter, call, text or email from the CRA. But know that the CRA handles mail on its website, once you create a CRA account. Do that, and only trust the information you receive there. And if you use an accountant, know that the CRA has their contact details. So always confirm with them. 

Again, delete and block when you can.

Facebook Marketplace scam

Buying something local seems safer, right? Think again. Online listings may not always be what they seem. If you’re asked to e-transfer money before you get an item, you may not receive it or it may arrive broken or damaged. If they ask for a different method of payment than through the platform, send you a link to transfer the money, or ask for extra payment for delivery, it just might be fraud. 

Never go alone to meet for the exchange, and always do it in a public place. Only pay when you receive the item. Only talk on the platform. Don’t share personal information, and never click on links. 

Gift card scams

There are two general types of gift card scams. 

1. Tampered, stolen or used gift cards sold for cheaper than the perceived value of the card.
2. A request to send gift cards to help someone to pay for debt.

For the first one, always buy cards directly from the retailer, and keep your receipts. 

As for the second one, be suspicious when you’re asked to give money via gift cards. Sometimes these seem real, but the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns of AI-generated smishing and email scams, which are pretty convincing. 

The grandparent scam​

This unnerving scam is when a fraudster acts like a grandchild in trouble, acting too ashamed to talk to their parents for help. This scam comes in text form and even AI phone calls, stealing the voices from social media videos to generate the call. Money, gift cards and crypto have commonly been requested, but some reported cases have even had the cash couriered or picked up. Hang up and call the family member directly.

To prevent this type of fraud, limit the personal information you share on social media (including listing your connections as family members). Set up a confirmation word with your family, so you know when a call is legit. And always report things like this to the police. 

How to report a scam and the local resources in Canada

If you suspect you're a victim of fraud, call your local police department to report any fraud activity. Also report it to the CAFC. If you suspect you’ve been hacked and/or your identity has been stolen, contact your financial institutions right away and change your passwords on your accounts and email addresses.