Tips to help keep you and your money safe this holiday season

Nanaimo

2024-12-13 15:41 PST

File # 2024

T’is the season to be jolly and spread good cheer. Unfortunately, thieves don’t get this and are ready and waiting to steal your hard-earned money. Let’s take a look at some of the more prevalent scams and thievery this year so you can focus on being merry, over-eating, getting heart-burn, not choking on that over-cooked turkey, and well, not getting scammed.

In no particular order here are some things to keep in mind:

Porch pirates

Don’t leave parcels unattended. If you are not home, make plans to have your parcel delivered to a friend’s place, your work or the delivery depot.

Purchasing gifts online

Make sure you are on the correct site and not a fraudulent one, double check that you have entered the correct web address. Then check it again.

Retiring for the evening

We all like to show off our Christmas tree to the neighbours but by doing so thieves are offered a great view into your home. At the end of the night, shut off your lights and close the blinds. Also, double check that you have locked your vehicle, your exterior doors and your windows. If you need to, check them twice just to be sure.

Pop up messages on computers

They are fake and you should never respond to them. Also, if you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to work for a computer company, it’s a scam. Do not give them any information about your computer. Hang up.

Gift cards

Double check the code on the back to make sure it has not been tampered with. Also, if you receive a call from someone claiming to represent the Canada Revenue Agency or your bank, and they ask you to purchase bitcoin or gift cards to pay a bill, hang up. It’s a fraud. Hang up.

Receipts

Don’t throw them in the trash. Not only will you need it when you return that gifted sweater that might have fit you back in high school, but thieves double down on trash cans and recycling bins searching for receipts. Be smart this year.

ATM withdrawals

Make sure you know who you’re sharing your space with. Shoulder surfers will try to interact with you and find out what your PIN is. Also, be careful about flashing that money you withdrew from the ATM. Quickly put it in a pocket before walking into the parking lot.

Parking lots

Speaking of parking lots, when you’re shopping, don’t leave gifts in the backseat of your vehicle. Don’t make it easy for thieves. Place them in the trunk and if possible, lock the trunk release button usually found near the driver’s seat.

Fake bank/ cell phone provider phone calls

The rule of thumb is this, every phone call you receive at this time of year from someone claiming to work for your bank, cell phone provider or a courier company should be considered fake until proved otherwise. If it’s an important matter, they will call back. If you feel the need to call them, only call the number found on their legitimate web address.

Google is your friend

Use it wisely and educate yourself on frauds and scams

There are many trusted websites and agencies that are available to answer and address any concerns you may have. If we can share one piece of advice this year, it’s this- seek advice from a trusted source before making any decisions around money. If you have never met the requestor in person, consider it a fraud, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.