WINNIPEG: The Manitoba RCMP is urging consumers to exercise caution and vigilance against online scams as the holiday shopping season gets underway.
“Most Manitobans look forward to the holidays and shop online to find the perfect gift for loved ones,” said Staff Sergeant Kevin Cavanagh of the Manitoba RCMP Cyber and Financial Crimes Unit. “Unfortunately, criminals are lurking online, ready to exploit this opportunity to steal people’s money and personal information.”
The RCMP noted that online scams range from simple phishing texts to highly sophisticated schemes. These scams include phishing texts claiming package deliveries are delayed or payment information needs verification. They also involve social media advertisements that redirect users to fake websites, often enticing them with “too good to be true” deals.
The RCMP recommends consumers take the following steps to reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam:
- Know the Market Value: Be aware of the standard price for the product you are looking for.
- Verify the Seller: Find and verify the seller’s contact information before making a purchase.
- Check Ratings: Always check customer ratings and reviews.
- Pay Securely: Pay directly (using secure and established payment methods) whenever possible.
- Avoid Suspicious Ads: Steer clear of “Too Good to Be True” advertisements and do not click on suspicious links.
