It’s Shopping Season – Avoid Scams Online

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In today’s digital age, cybercrime is on the rise, and everyone needs to be vigilant about their online safety. This guide, provided by the Ontario Provincial Police, will help you understand common scams and provide practical tips to protect yourself online.

Common Online Scams to Watch Out For

1. Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals

Be wary of extreme discounts or “Today Only” sales, especially on social media. Fraudsters often use fake ads with unrealistic prices to lure unsuspecting shoppers. Stick to reputable websites and remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Rental Property Scams

Scammers post fake rental listings with attractive prices and stolen photos. They’ll pressure you to make a quick payment to “secure” the property. Always verify the legitimacy of a rental and never transfer money without seeing the property in person.

3. Online Selling Traps

When selling items online, be cautious of buyers who:

• Offer to pay above asking price
• Want to buy without seeing the item
• Send fake payment notifications
• Request shipping before payment clears

Essential Safety Tips

Secure Your Devices

• Keep your operating system and security software updated on your computer, phone and tablet
• Use reliable antivirus software and firewall
• Disable webcams and storage devices when not in use

Protect Your Accounts

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible
• If authenticators such as Google Authenticator are offered by a given site, use them
• Be skeptical of links and attachments in emails – always check for correct spelling and country suffix and don’t open links that you aren’t familiar with

Safe Online Shopping

• Know the market value of products you’re interested in
• Verify seller contact information before buying
• Look for customer reviews from third-party sources
• Use payment methods with fraud protection (e.g., credit cards)
• When possible, buy locally and exchange in person

Red Flags to Watch For

• Spelling errors or generic product descriptions (“the item”)
• Requests for shipping fees or additional payments
• QR codes asking to confirm banking information
• Messages about payment problems with your accounts
• Pressure to act quickly or urgently

Protecting Your Online Presence

• Never give anyone remote access to your computer
• Be cautious with free content websites – they may install malware
• Consult local technicians for technical issues
• Don’t be afraid to say no to unsolicited offers
• Do online searches to check if others have reported a fraudulent seller

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by cybercrime:

1. Report it to your local police
2. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and in the US, follow this link
3. Report it online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

Even if you didn’t ultimately fall victim to the scam, reporting helps authorities track and prevent cybercrime.

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