The holidays are a busy time. Packages are on the way. Charities are asking for help. Family is travelling. Your phone rings more often than usual.
Scammers know all of this. They count on you being busy, generous, and distracted — and every year, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre puts out a list of the scams that show up most around the holidays.
Here are six worth knowing about this season.
Six Holiday Scams to Watch For
The fake delivery text
A text says a package couldn’t be delivered and asks you to pay a small fee or confirm your details through a link. Canada Post says it will never charge you to track or release a delivery, and will never text or email asking for your credit card or banking information. To check a delivery, go to the Canada Post website or app yourself.
The fake charity
Someone calls or knocks asking for a holiday donation — for a cause that sounds real but isn’t. The Canada Revenue Agency keeps a free, searchable list of every registered charity in Canada. Check it before you give, and ask for the charity’s registration number. A real charity will give it to you.
The emergency call
A caller says a grandchild or family member has been in an accident or arrested while travelling, and needs money right away — and asks you to keep it quiet. Hang up and call your family member directly, using the number you already have. The CAFC also suggests asking a question a stranger wouldn’t know the answer to.
The deal that’s too good to be true
Ads with huge discounts on popular gifts can lead to fake shopping websites that take your money and send nothing — or send counterfeit goods. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Pay by credit card, which gives you more protection if something goes wrong.
The surprise prize
A message says you’ve won a holiday draw or a gift basket — you just need to pay a small fee to claim it. As the CAFC puts it: if you didn’t enter, you can’t win. A real prize never costs you money.
The gift card request
Any caller who wants to be paid in gift cards is a scammer — no matter the story. Gift cards make wonderful presents. They are never a payment.
Three Habits That Stop Most of Them
✓ Before you click, pay, or give
Slow down. Any message that rushes you — “today only,” “right now,” “don’t tell anyone” — is a reason to stop.
Go to the source yourself. Check deliveries on the real website, call family on the number you have, and look up charities on the CRA’s list.
Talk to someone. Before you send money to anyone, tell a family member or friend. Scammers rely on you keeping it to yourself.
If you get a scam text, you can forward it to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your phone company for free. And if you think you’ve been scammed, call your bank, then report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. The CAFC estimates only 5 to 10 per cent of fraud is ever reported.
From me to you
Wishing you a calm, safe, and joyful holiday season — with nothing on your phone more stressful than the family group chat. 🎄
⚠ Disclaimer
This article is for general information and awareness only and does not constitute legal, financial, or cybersecurity advice. Information is drawn from publicly available sources including the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canada Post, the Competition Bureau of Canada, and the Canada Revenue Agency. Recovery of funds is not guaranteed. The Lady Tech is not affiliated with any company or organization mentioned and assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from the application of information in this article. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Phone numbers were current as of December 16, 2026.