| Tips to avoid holiday scams |
| Fraudsters use convincing offers, messages and payment requests to target holiday shoppers. Stay alert for tactics that trick you into sharing personal information or losing money. |
| Don’t open attachments or click links in emails or texts from unknown senders, especially for deliveries or offers you didn’t request. |
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| If a deal or price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Delete suspicious messages and double-check before acting. |
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| Only buy from secure websites (look for a closed padlock in the web address) and use your credit card for online purchases. When using online marketplaces or classifieds, compare prices with similar listings to spot unrealistic deals, research the seller or buyer, check their profile and look for reviews or history. |
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| When selling items, confirm that the payment is legitimate before handing over your goods. If paid by cheque, wait until the full amount is available in your account—especially if the amount is more than agreed like in an overpayment scam. Avoid payment methods that are difficult to reverse, such as wire transfers, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency, as these are harder to trace and often used by fraudsters. |
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| When buying items, make sure you’re using secure and traceable payment methods, such as a credit card or trusted payment service. Be cautious if a seller requests payment using hard-to-trace methods like wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards, as these are often used by fraudsters. Avoid paying in advance for items you haven’t seen, and, if possible, meet the seller in a safe, public place to complete the transaction. |
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