The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for online shopping, digital communication and charitable giving. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the busiest times for scammers. December sees a sharp increase in online fraud, fake messages and misleading holiday offers.
For many adults—especially those who are still building their digital literacy skills—these scams can be confusing and convincing. Being able to recognize common tricks is an important part of digital literacy and helps protect your money, personal information and peace of mind.
Below are some of the most common holiday scams, along with clear tips to help you spot them.
1. Fake delivery emails and text messages
With more people shopping online for gifts, scammers often send messages pretending to be from Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, etc. These messages may indicate that your package is delayed or that you need to pay a small fee to release your parcel.
Red flags to watch for:
- The message wants you to click a link.
- The sender’s email or phone number looks strange.
- The link goes to a website that does not end in .ca or .com.
- You’re asked to pay a fee or provide personal information.
If you receive a message like this and are unsure if it’s real, go directly to the official website (e.g., canadapost.ca) to check your package status. Real delivery companies don’t charge extra fees through text or email links.
2. Fake online stores and social media ads
During this time of year, your social media feeds will show many ads for gifts, clothing, toys and electronics. Scammers often create fake online stores that look real but disappear once they collect your money.
Warning signs:
- Prices that are much lower than normal.
- No contact information or only a Gmail or Hotmail address.
- No return policy.
- Poor grammar on the website.
- Only accepting e-transfer or gift cards as payment.
Rule of thumb: if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is a scam. If you’re unsure, search for reviews of the store name and whether it has a real physical address. If the online store seems legitimate, consider paying with a credit card so you can dispute a charge if the item never arrives.
3. Fake charity requests
December is the biggest giving month of the year, and scammers take advantage of this by creating fake charities or sending misleading donation emails. Always verify the organization on the CRA’s Charities Listings and donate through the charity’s official website, not through links in an email.
4. Holiday job scams
Many people look for extra work this time of year, and scammers may offer work-from-home jobs, gift-wrapping jobs or mystery shopper roles that require you to send money upfront.
How to recognize a scam job posting:
- You are asked to pay for training, supplies or background checks.
- The job promises very high pay for very little work.
- Communication is only through text or messaging apps.
- The company website looks unprofessional or lacks real contact info.
5. Subscription and app store scams
After the holidays, people often download new apps or sign up for free trials. Scammers use pop-up ads or fake app listings to trick people into installing harmful or expensive programs.
To avoid subscription traps, only download apps from the official App Store or Google Play Store. Review your phone’s subscription list regularly and set alerts on your bank account so you notice unexpected charges.
Digital literacy can protect you from scams
Digital literacy is more than knowing how to use technology; it’s knowing how to use it safely. Here are simple habits that help protect you year-round:
- Check the sender. Look closely at email addresses and phone numbers. Scammers often use names that look similar but are not correct.
- Hover before you click. On a computer, place your mouse over a link to see the real web address before clicking.
- Look for “HTTPS.” Secure websites start with https:// and have a lock symbol next to it. The “s” stands for secure.
- Be cautious with urgent messages. Scammers try to make you act quickly. Stop, take a breath and think before you respond.
- Use strong passwords. Unique passwords and two-factor authentication make it harder for scammers to access your accounts.
- When in doubt, go directly to the source. Instead of clicking a link, open a new browser window and type in the official website yourself.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you think you’ve received a scam message or shared information with a scammer, you can:
- Contact your bank right away to protect your account.
- Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- Ask for support from a trusted friend, family member or community program.
- Continue building your digital literacy skills through free programs like ABC Connect for Learning.
About ABC Connect for Learning
ABC Connect for Learning is a digital literacy program that offers free resources to those looking to improve their digital skills. Whether you’re just getting started with the Internet or looking to learn about new technology, ABC Connect for Learning offers something for everyone. Learn more at abcconnectforlearning.ca.
