Keep the cheer alive and don’t let fraudsters steal your joy! The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) shares the most common holiday scams, so you can recognize, reject, report, and stay merry.

Here are some common fraudulent tactics to watch out for and how to recognize them.

Online Shopping & Counterfeit Good – Flashy brand-name products at unbelievable prices are often too good to be true. To safeguard your wallet and well-being, buy from reputable retailers. Do your research before making a purchase. Inferior/Counterfeit products are not only deceiving but could also pose significant health risks.

Shipping Frauds – Be cautious of unsolicited text messages or emails that seem to come from legitimate shipping companies, especially those urgently asking for your personal or payment details due to incomplete shipping information. Fraudsters may also claim delivery failures or say your packages are on hold for payment. In some cases, they may direct you to pay a fabricated shipping company, like the "North Pole Express."  Protect yourself and never share personal information unless you're certain of the source.

Gift Cards – Gift cards make for perfect presents, but don’t let yours be empty when you give it! If you’re buying gift cards in-store, inspect them carefully—compare them to others in stock and run your finger over the barcodes to check for tampering. When buying online, avoid resale or auction sites or make sure they are well known and reputable beforehand.  Be aware: legitimate businesses will never pressure you to pay with gift cards. Stay safe and shop wisely!

Donating – 'Tis the season of giving, but don’t let fraudsters take advantage of your generosity! Charity scams involve deceptive requests for donations to fake causes. Always ask for the charitable tax number and verify the organization’s registration with the Canada Revenue Agency's List of Charities or call 1-800-267-2384. When possible, donate directly to the charity to ensure your contribution reaches the right place.

Prize and Vacation Notifications – Dreaming of winning a car, $1M, or a free holiday getaway? Fraudsters may try to convince you that all you need to do is confirm your personal info and pay some fees to claim your prize. But remember, if you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win! Also, you can't win a lottery from another country without purchasing a ticket there. In Canada, any fees linked to a prize will be deducted from your total winnings. Be cautious—don’t let scammers steal your holiday cheer!