‘Tis nearly the season for joy and goodwill—but also for scammers looking to cash in on all of that festive spirit going around. With more online shopping, deliveries, and digital donations happening than ever, fraudsters see the holidays as their busiest time of year.

Add in a rise in artificial intelligence (AI)-generated scams—complete with cloned voices and convincing emails that sound like people you know—and even the most careful among us can be caught off guard. More on that later.

In this digital age, financial wellness is about more than staying on top of money matters. It’s also about feeling confident shopping and banking online. We’ve created this quick and practical guide to keeping your money and information safe this holiday season—with an Island twist.

The glad tidings? All it takes is a few easy steps to shop and bank safer this holiday season.

Why the holidays are a gift for scammers

Between limited-time deals, shipping deadlines, and family wish lists, people are busier than usual—and often more trusting and less on guard.

Of course, more online shopping means more digital payments, order confirmations, and tracking links. More communication from brands and charities means more “noise” and activity in your email inbox, which means more opportunities for scammers to slip in a fake message that looks real.

Whichever method the fraudsters use (we outline a few below), the goal is the same: get you to click, share, or pay before you have time to think.

Here on the Island, where many people buy and sell locally through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, scammers have become especially active. They often pretend to be “just down the road” to earn your trust.

The top 3 scams to watch out for this season

Our fraud team considers these scams to be the ones you need to be especially aware of at this time of year.

1. Marketplace scams

Yes! You’ve found the perfect used kayak, concert tickets, or vintage record player online—and for a great deal, too. Then after you e-Transfer the money… nothing. The seller disappears. Sound familiar? Marketplace scams like this are one of the fastest-growing fraud types on Vancouver Island.

Fraudsters post fake listings or use overpayment tricks, such as asking you to refund an “extra” amount they sent by mistake. Always be cautious when dealing with online sellers, and check out our in-depth Online Marketplace Buyer Scams guide for more on how to protect yourself.

Quick tips to stay safe:

• Never pay upfront for an item that you have not seen in person
• Never pay a deposit to ‘hold’ an item
• Never accept ‘too much’ money for a product you are selling
• Watch out for deals that are too good to be true
• Ideally pay or accept payment at the time of pickup

2. Online shopping and phishing scams

Online shopping fraudsters are getting craftier. Highly polished fake websites and social media ads often mimic those of trusted retailers, offering steep discounts on high-demand items. You might pay for something that never arrives. Worse, you might hand over your credit-card information to a fake store.

Stick to reputable sites, watch for small misspellings in URLs, and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. When in doubt, type the store’s web address directly into your browser.

Quick tips to stay safe:

• Use your credit card for better fraud protection
• Double-check URLs for misspellings or extra characters
• Never click links in unexpected texts or emails
• Look for “https” and a padlock symbol before paying online
• Enable two-step verification for extra security

3. Delivery scams

Expecting a package? Scammers know how busy and distracted most of us are during December, which makes fake delivery notices especially convincing. You might receive a text or email claiming there’s a problem with your shipment and asking you to pay a small “redelivery fee.” Clicking the link can install malware or steal your payment details.

If you suspect something isn’t right, go to the delivery company’s website or app to check your order status there.

Quick tips to stay safe:

• Track parcels through official apps like Canada Post or Purolator
• If in doubt, check delivery status at the provider’s website
• Check the sender’s email or number for unusual digits and addresses
• Sign up for home delivery alerts

What to know and do about AI scams and “voice cloning”

Technology is making scams more sophisticated and harder to spot. Artificial intelligence has opened new doors for scammers, who can now mimic voices, write convincing emails, and even create fake videos.

Here are a few examples of what scammers can do:

• Imitate the voice of a loved one over the phone
• Generate fake images to convince you that you are speaking with a ‘real’ person
• Create ‘deepfake’ videos that appear to show a real person

If something feels off—no matter how real it sounds—hang up and call back using a number you trust.

Quick tips to stay safe:

• Trust your gut
• Familiarize yourself with common scams
• Watch out for unexpected contact from someone you know
• Hang up and call back
• Set a family code word

6 quick ways to stay safe and shop with confidence

Time for the good news! While scams are getting smarter, so are the tools to stop them. A few simple habits can make a big difference:

1. Set up banking alerts
   CCCU’s real-time notifications help you spot suspicious activity instantly.
2. Use the Cardwise app
   Did you know you can turn off your Coastal Community Collabria credit card through the Cardwise app?
3. Use secure digital tools
   Mobile and online banking tools, like the Cardwise app and your online banking, can  keep you safe.
4. Stay current
   Keep your devices, apps, and passwords updated. Outdated software is a fraudster’s best friend.
5. Shop smart
   Stick to trusted retailers and avoid making purchases over public Wi-Fi.
6. Keep learning
   Fraud tactics evolve quickly. Visit our Learning Centre for the latest scam-prevention tips.

Sharing is caring

Protecting yourself protects your whole community. Perhaps the best thing you can do is share this knowledge, whether it’s new to you or not. Do you know any younger people with their first credit card? Or older people who may be more trusting and less comfortable with online communication? A safe, scam-free holiday may just be the best gift of all.