Consumers are warned to watch for warning signs to avoid various scams as holiday shopping season ramps up. (FreePik)

By Ian Holmes

Bah humbug

‘Take your time, do your research:’ Holiday shoppers warned to take precautions

Nov 29, 2024 | 5:25 AM

NANAIMO — While shoppers are busy trying to cross off their holiday shopping lists, criminals are playing the role of scrooge with a multitude of scams.

Starr Munro, Better Business Bureau Vancouver Island communications strategist, said their agency is tracking an evolving collection of scams, most involving technology.

She said ultimately consumers need to do some vetting to determine the legitimacy of a business or individual.

“Take your time, do your research and understand what you’re spending money on and who you’re doing business with,” Munro told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She said having a clear idea of what you’re looking for is helpful as some victims to various scams get mesmerized by deals too good to be true and make decisions they otherwise wouldn’t.

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Misleading social media ads promoting often discounted items tops the BBB’s 12 scams of the holiday’s list.

In light of the Canada Post strike, Munro said consumers should watch for shipping notification scams, emphasizing that extra fees applied during the delivery process instead of upfront is a clear red flag.

Munro said their data showed 18 to 24-year-olds are targeted the most in scams, citing while younger people are often more familiar and comfortable making online purchases, they can also be more vulnerable.

“But they haven’t necessarily developed the skill-set yet to do the research and really look into: if this is a legitimate source? Are they giving their credit card or information to the right people? And is what they’re ordering what they’re going to get?”

Police advice

Email phishing scams, unsolicited phone calls and texts have surged in recent years, however old-fashioned, basic thefts are also problematic, according to Nanaimo RCMP.

Media liason officer Cst. Gary O’Brien said loaded parking lots are treasure troves of opportunities for thieves.

He notes roughly 40 per cent of theft from vehicles in the Nanaimo area involve unlocked vehicles.

“In cases where people are leaving purchases inside these unlocked vehicles, you’re just throwing your money away,” he said.

Cst. O’Brien, who regularly does community-based fraud awareness presentations, said it’s critical for consumers to protect their PIN code while paying for goods.

He said thieves often work in tandem to distract a victim in their vehicle, then the newly learned PIN number and card is discreetly stolen and a spending spree begins immediately.

Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said consumers need to be aware of their surroundings, particularly this time of year. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Porch Pirates

Cst. O’Brien said thieves are often prepared to pounce on a newly placed door front delivery.

He said package recipients not being home at the time can lead to disappointment.

“Criminals know that, in fact they’ve been known to travel behind courier services to wait for the parcel to be dropped off then they go and scoop it.”

O’brien said arranging to have your package delivered to a location where you will be present, or having your neighbour collect if for you are preventative measures consumers can take.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, nearly 29,000 Canadians reported being victims of fraud during the first 10 months of this year, representing $500 million dollars in losses.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes