Holiday shopping season is starting, and so are the fake online stores. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) warns that fraudsters build convincing websites and run paid ads on social media to sell goods that are counterfeit or never arrive at all.
A few extra seconds before you click “buy” can save you money and your personal information.
Warning signs
- Blowout prices, like 80% off a popular item.
- Pressure phrases such as “Today only” or “Limited time offer.”
- Spelling mistakes, or product descriptions that just call it “the item.”
- A seller whose social media profile was created recently.
- A buyer who wants to pay without seeing what you’re selling, or who sends more money than you asked for and wants the difference back.
Habits that protect you
- Know the going price. If a deal is far below what everyone else charges, there’s usually a reason.
- Check the seller. Look for a real address, email and other contact details, and read reviews on independent sites, not just the ones on the store’s own page.
- Pay with fraud protection. The CAFC suggests a credit card.
- Buy local in person when you can. For marketplace deals, meet in a public place and pay when you pick up.
- Don’t trust “payment sent” messages. Confirm money has actually arrived in your account before you hand anything over.
Fake delivery texts and order-confirmation emails are another trick to watch for. Our tips on spotting a phishing email apply to texts as well.
If it happens to you
Call your card company right away, and see what to do in the first hour if you entered a password. Then report it to local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The CAFC asks Canadians to report attempts even when no money was lost.