Shoppers Beware of Cyber Scams this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Federal Partners Warn
November 28, 2024
Ottawa, ON – With the holiday shopping season in full swing, shoppers are being urged to be on the lookout for cyber scams. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the Competition Bureau, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) have issued a joint warning, reminding consumers to be vigilant when shopping online this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of cyber scams targeting shoppers during the holiday season. These scams often involve fake websites, phishing emails, and malicious software that can steal personal and financial information.
“Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics,” said Jeff Thomson, Senior Manager of the CAFC. “They create websites that look like legitimate retailers, send emails that appear to come from trusted companies, and use malware to infect computers and steal personal information.”
The Competition Bureau is also concerned about the growing number of scams targeting shoppers online.
“We’ve seen a rise in complaints about fake websites and phishing emails,” said Matthew Boswell, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Competition Bureau. “These scams can trick consumers into providing their personal and financial information, which can lead to identity theft and financial loss.”
The OPC is also reminding shoppers to be aware of the privacy risks associated with online shopping.
“Consumers should always read the privacy policies of websites before providing their personal information,” said Patricia Kosseim, Assistant Privacy Commissioner of Canada. “They should also be aware of the risks of sharing their personal information on social media.”
To protect themselves from cyber scams, shoppers should take the following precautions:
- Be wary of emails and websites that offer deals that seem too good to be true. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Only shop from reputable websites. Look for websites that have a secure connection () and a privacy policy.
- Be careful about clicking on links in emails or text messages. These links can lead to fake websites or malware.
- Use a strong password for your online accounts. Your password should be at least 8 characters long and include a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can protect you from malware.
- Report any suspicious activity to the CAFC. You can report cyber scams online at www.antifraudcentre.ca or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
By following these tips, shoppers can help protect themselves from cyber scams and enjoy a safe and secure holiday shopping experience.
Media contact:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 media@antifraudcentre.ca
Competition Bureau 819-997-4282 mediainfo@cb-bc.gc.ca
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada 819-994-5444 communications@priv.gc.ca
Shoppers, beware of cyber scams this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, federal partners warn
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