Education is critical to building a strong future foundation. From our Strive for Success Program to our Financial Literacy programs, we aim to make a positive impact. Tandia offers scholarships through many schools in the community, along with workshops, grant programs and special account packages just for schools.
Protect Yourself from Fraud this Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for joy, travel and giving, but it’s also a time when scammers are busy looking to take advantage of consumers while they’re distracted and short on time. By staying alert and knowledgeable about the most common scams affecting Canadians, you can help protect yourself from fraud during the festive season. Keep the spirit of giving safe and joyful while watching out for these common scams that take place during the holidays.
1. Fake Shops and Retailers
Keep safe and stick to reputable businesses when shopping online. Remember that a legitimate company will only ask for credit card information once a purchase has been initiated. If something doesn’t look right, close the site and shop elsewhere.
2. Romance Scams
Fraudsters look to take advantage of individuals looking for a romantic partner during the holidays, especially through social media and dating sites. For tips to avoid becoming a victim, visit: cba.ca/avoiding-the-romance-scam
3. Grandparent Scams
Scammers often target seniors by pretending to be a grandchild or other relative in despair and in need of financial assistance. If you receive a call, text message or email like this, never reveal names or personal information and follow these tips: cba.ca/grandparent-scam
5. Phishing Scams
Watch out for suspicious emails and text messages containing links, threats or warnings. A common technique scammers use is creating a sense of urgency to scare a recipient into taking action, such as clicking a link. Never click, and visit the Government of Ontario’s website for details about avoiding phishing scams.
4. Fake Charities
The holidays are a time for giving, and fraudulent charities are a common way for scammers to entice donations from well-meaning individuals. Before donating, always check the Canada Revenue Agency’s website for a searchable list of registered charities.
6. Fraudulent Websites and Apps
When shopping online, ensure websites you visit start with https:// and look for a padlock icon by the website’s URL to ensure you are only sharing payment information through a secure connection. Also, be sure to only download verified apps from reputable stores and retailers.
7. Shipping Notification Scams
Be wary of any shipping notification emails that you don’t expect or seem suspicious. Never click links or enter information in an attempt to investigate the fake shipment and visit canadapost.ca for more tips.
9. Free WiFi Scams
Scammers often target busy shoppers who connect to free WiFi while out during the holidays. Never enter personal information when connecting to public WiFi and try to avoid connecting at all if it can be avoided.
8. Gift Card Scams
Be sure to only purchase gift cards from reputable retail stores and be suspicious if someone requests payment for a bill, debt or purchase by gift card.
10. Social Media Scams
Watch out for fake contests and giveaways during the holidays, or individuals claiming to be friends or family members asking for money over social media. Scammers work hard to impersonate individuals we may know, especially during the holiday season when we may be feeling more generous.
Be sure to review your banking transactions frequently and report any unfamiliar or suspicious transactions immediately. If you have questions about fraud or would like more information about how to protect yourself, contact us or visit your branch. We’d love to help you to stay safe and vigilant this holiday season.
Fraud Prevention
You’re probably hearing a lot about fraud these days. Why all the buzz? Unfortunately, fraud attacks (especially ones that take place online) are more common than ever before and are happening every single day around the globe. Fraud is something that we all need to take seriously, but don’t panic. Gaining some essential fraud-busting knowledge is easier than you think.
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