{"id":1422,"date":"2025-12-07T03:08:18","date_gmt":"2025-12-07T03:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/?p=1422"},"modified":"2025-12-07T03:08:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-07T03:08:18","slug":"more-christmas-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/07\/more-christmas-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"More Christmas Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"c-stack b-article-overline-custom-block\" data-style-direction=\"horizontal\" data-style-justification=\"start\" data-style-alignment=\"unset\" data-style-inline=\"false\" data-style-wrap=\"wrap\"><a class=\"c-overline b-overline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/barrie\/\">Barrie<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-stack b-article-overline-custom-block__popover\" data-style-direction=\"horizontal\" data-style-justification=\"start\" data-style-alignment=\"unset\" data-style-inline=\"false\" data-style-wrap=\"nowrap\"><button class=\"c-button c-button--medium c-button--default b-article-overline-custom-block__popover-kicker\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"popover-content\">News<\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h1 class=\"b-headline\">12 holiday scams experts say to be aware of this season<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-attribution b-byline\"><span class=\"b-byline__by\">By<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"b-byline__names\"><a class=\"c-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/barrie\/about-us\/kim-phillips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kim Phillips<span class=\"visually-hidden\">Opens in new window<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-date b-date-custom\">\n<p class=\"b-date-custom__date-item\">Published:\u00a0<time datetime=\"2025-12-05T11:59:16.127Z\">December 05, 2025 at 6:59AM EST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"b-lead-art-custom\">\n<figure class=\"c-media-item b-lead-art-custom__expand-button\">\n<div class=\"b-lead-art-custom__image-wrapper\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/resizer\/v2\/YUE732EZKNF53LQDTLL7GHZ2UI.png?smart=true&amp;auth=fdef3b3e8fc49bd0605f6f8448d0446602cae105dd78c2b8f088f5f67bed5ce6&amp;width=1512&amp;height=850\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/resizer\/v2\/YUE732EZKNF53LQDTLL7GHZ2UI.png?smart=true&amp;auth=fdef3b3e8fc49bd0605f6f8448d0446602cae105dd78c2b8f088f5f67bed5ce6&amp;width=800&amp;height=449 800w, https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/resizer\/v2\/YUE732EZKNF53LQDTLL7GHZ2UI.png?smart=true&amp;auth=fdef3b3e8fc49bd0605f6f8448d0446602cae105dd78c2b8f088f5f67bed5ce6&amp;width=1600&amp;height=899 1600w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1512\" height=\"850\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" \/><\/div><figcaption class=\"c-media-item__fig-caption\"><span class=\"c-media-item__caption\">A person is shown online shopping during the holidays in this file image.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"b-article-body\">\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">If you\u2019re juggling gift lists, deliveries and last-minute deals, experts warn scammers are just as busy, and they\u2019re counting on holiday distractions to make their schemes harder to spot.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Scammers have become craftier, more convincing, and seek out opportunity. Experts warn scammers target seniors who can often be more trusting, less familiar with ever-changing technology, or more likely to answer the phone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Still, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) stresses no single person is immune, adding scammers only care about who will click, pay, or share information without too many questions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mia-outstream-1626_onscreen mia-outstream\">\n<div id=\"mia-outstream-1626\" class=\"mia-outstream-1626\"><iframe class=\"mia-iframe\" title=\"in-article advertisement\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">To help you avoid becoming a victim, the CAFC rolled out its \u201912 Frauds of the Holidays\u2019 list to highlight the seasonal tricks that tend to resurface each year.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Online Shopping<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">According to a recent release by the CAFC, online shopping scams continue to be one of the biggest issues.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The agency says fraudsters often promote brand-name items at unusually low prices, and urges shoppers to slow down and research sellers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mia-outstream-308_onscreen mia-outstream\">\n<div id=\"mia-outstream-308\" class=\"mia-outstream-308\"><iframe class=\"mia-iframe\" title=\"in-article advertisement\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">It warns that counterfeit goods aren\u2019t just disappointing, some may pose health risks.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Selling Goods<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The CAFC says problems also show up when people sell items online.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Fraudsters may offer to buy something without seeing it, pay more than the asking price, or create complicated payment instructions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The agency advises sellers to make sure funds are legitimate before shipping anything.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Shipping<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Shipping frauds are circulating, too.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The CAFC says unsolicited messages pretending to be from major delivery companies are asking for personal information or extra payments tied to supposed \u201cfailed\u201d deliveries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">In some cases, the scammers even invent fake courier names.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Promos<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Cellphone promotion scams are also on the rise, according to the agency.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Fraudsters pose as wireless providers offering discounted phones for the holidays.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The CAFC says they collect personal information, order real devices under the victim\u2019s name, and may intercept the shipment.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Investments<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Investment scams, especially those involving cryptocurrency, remain a problem.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The CAFC says scammers use social media, fake websites and even random text messages to lure people in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">They may ask for remote access to devices, help set up accounts, and promise guaranteed profits.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Romance<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Romance scams also increase during the holidays.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The Centre says fraudsters avoid meeting in person but continue to ask for money.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The agency reminds people not to send funds to anyone they haven\u2019t met face-to-face.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Recovery<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The CAFC says scammers also pretend to help victims recover earlier losses.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">These fake \u201crecovery agents\u201d ask for fees or sensitive details, causing even more financial harm.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Gift Cards<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Gift card scams are another concern.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The Centre warns buyers to check for tampering, avoid resale sites, and remember that legitimate businesses won\u2019t demand gift cards as payment.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Donating<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Charity frauds also become more common at this time of year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The CAFC encourages donors to confirm the organization\u2019s charitable registration number with the\u00a0<a title=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/charities-giving\/list-charities\/list-charities-other-qualified-donees.html\" href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/charities-giving\/list-charities\/list-charities-other-qualified-donees.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Canada Revenue Agency<\/a>\u00a0before giving.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Prizes<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Prize and vacation scams continue to target Canadians.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">According to the CAFC, victims are told they\u2019ve won large prizes or trips but must first pay fees or provide personal details.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The agency reminds people that they can\u2019t win contests they never entered.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Phishing<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The Centre also warns about fake toll fee or traffic infraction texts, which contain malicious links and urgent language.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">It says real toll agencies don\u2019t demand immediate payment by text message.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">Identity<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Identity theft remains an ongoing issue during the holiday rush.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The CAFC urges people to protect PINs, keep wallets secure, and watch for unauthorized account activity.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"b-article-body__h2\">What to Do<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Anyone who thinks they\u2019ve been targeted by fraud or cybercrime should contact their local police. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says incidents can also be reported online through the\u00a0<a title=\"https:\/\/reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca\/\" href=\"https:\/\/reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Report Cybercrime and Fraud<\/a>\u00a0website or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"c-trust-link-bar\">\n<div class=\"c-trust-link-bar__item\"><a class=\"c-link c-trust-link-bar__link\" href=\"mailto:ctvbarrieweb@bellmedia.ca?subject=12%20holiday%20scams%20experts%20say%20to%20be%20aware%20of%20this%20season\" aria-label=\"Report an Error\"><i class=\"c-trust-link-bar__icon\">\ue96f<\/i><span class=\"c-trust-link-bar__text\">Report an Error<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-trust-link-bar__item\"><a class=\"c-link c-trust-link-bar__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/about-us\/editorial-standards-and-policies\" aria-label=\"Editorial standards &amp; policies\"><i class=\"c-trust-link-bar__icon\">\ue9bc<\/i><span class=\"c-trust-link-bar__text\">Editorial standards &amp; policies<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-trust-link-bar__item\"><a class=\"c-link c-trust-link-bar__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/about-us\/editorial-standards-and-policies\/#trust-and-ctv-news\" aria-label=\"Why you can trust CTV News\"><i class=\"c-trust-link-bar__icon\">\ue9bd<\/i><span class=\"c-trust-link-bar__text\">Why you can trust CTV News<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-stack b-author-bio\" data-style-direction=\"vertical\" data-style-justification=\"start\" data-style-alignment=\"unset\" data-style-inline=\"false\" data-style-wrap=\"nowrap\">\n<div class=\"c-stack b-author-bio__author\" data-style-direction=\"horizontal\" data-style-justification=\"start\" data-style-alignment=\"unset\" data-style-inline=\"false\" data-style-wrap=\"nowrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/resizer\/v2\/https%3A%2F%2Fauthor-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub%2Fbellmediainc%2Fb672f983-8378-463d-9bcc-3165f33ef093.png?smart=true&amp;auth=802c978d3d577302459ddae5192c2b13e2661393320ef6da4fa4d21df73f1063&amp;width=100&amp;height=100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/resizer\/v2\/https%3A%2F%2Fauthor-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub%2Fbellmediainc%2Fb672f983-8378-463d-9bcc-3165f33ef093.png?smart=true&amp;auth=802c978d3d577302459ddae5192c2b13e2661393320ef6da4fa4d21df73f1063&amp;width=100&amp;height=100 100w, https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/resizer\/v2\/https%3A%2F%2Fauthor-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub%2Fbellmediainc%2Fb672f983-8378-463d-9bcc-3165f33ef093.png?smart=true&amp;auth=802c978d3d577302459ddae5192c2b13e2661393320ef6da4fa4d21df73f1063&amp;width=200&amp;height=200 200w, https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/resizer\/v2\/https%3A%2F%2Fauthor-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub%2Fbellmediainc%2Fb672f983-8378-463d-9bcc-3165f33ef093.png?smart=true&amp;auth=802c978d3d577302459ddae5192c2b13e2661393320ef6da4fa4d21df73f1063&amp;width=400&amp;height=400 400w\" alt=\"Kim Phillips\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-stack\" data-style-direction=\"vertical\" data-style-justification=\"start\" data-style-alignment=\"unset\" data-style-inline=\"false\" data-style-wrap=\"nowrap\">\n<h2 class=\"c-heading b-author-bio__author-name\">Kim Phillips<\/h2>\n<p><a class=\"c-link b-author-bio__author-name-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ctvnews.ca\/barrie\/about-us\/kim-phillips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"visually-hidden\">Opens in new window<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph b-author-bio__author-description\">Journalist, CTVNews.ca Barrie<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-stack b-author-bio__social-link-wrapper\" data-style-direction=\"horizontal\" data-style-justification=\"start\" data-style-alignment=\"unset\" data-style-inline=\"false\" data-style-wrap=\"wrap\"><a class=\"c-link b-author-bio__social-link\" href=\"mailto:ctvbarrieweb@bellmedia.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Send an email to Kim Phillips\"><span class=\"visually-hidden\">Opens in new window<\/span><\/a><a class=\"c-link b-author-bio__social-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CTVbarrie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Connect on Facebook\"><span class=\"visually-hidden\">Opens in new window<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Barrie News 12 holiday scams experts say to be aware of this season By\u00a0Kim PhillipsOpens in new window Published:\u00a0December 05, 2025 at 6:59AM EST A person is shown online shopping during the holidays in this file image. If you\u2019re juggling gift lists, deliveries and last-minute deals, experts warn scammers are just as busy, and they\u2019re [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1422","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1422","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1422"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1422\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1423,"href":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1422\/revisions\/1423"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1422"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1422"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ginogravina.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1422"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}