'Tis the season for eggnog, snow and scams, warn police
CBC
Experts are constantly warning the public to be on guard for new and increasingly convincing scams, but police say the holiday shopping season is especially fraught with risk.
Fredericton Police Sgt. Chris Furlotte, who oversees the patrol division, said officers are seeing an increasing variety of scams, especially as the holidays ramp up.
While most people keep a close eye on their digital wallet and online banking, Furlotte says the real world is a potential minefield as well.
He says shoppers should be wary of so-called parking lot scams.
“We may see folks and scam artists approach individuals at cars or as they're loading their groceries or items from the store in an attempt to distract them and steal a purse or a wallet or maybe even attempt to steal a vehicle,” Furlotte said.
He urged people to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and avoid engaging with strangers.
“And don't be afraid to ask for help or disengage a situation that feels suspicious to you.”
With many people shopping online for the holidays, package thefts are also on the rise.
“Those are just the items that are left unattended on the front step or front porch while folks are at work,” Furlottte said.
A spokesperson for the Fredericton Police Force said in an email statement that there had been 115 instances of credit card fraud reported to them so far this year, and 158 instances of other types of fraud.
Furlotte said more and more scams “prey on emotions” like grandparents' scams, when someone will pose as a family member calling or reaching out online in a supposed emergency for financial help.
“They want people to not verify the information and just send the money along.”
There’s also been instances of paving scams, he said, when a travelling group will talk to homeowners and offer a quote to repave their driveway.
Naturally, the fraudsters ask for a deposit, promising to come back to do the work.
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