Canadians are facing a sharp increase in scams as fraudsters exploit the ongoing Canada Post strike and the holiday shopping season. From phishing emails to fake delivery notices, these schemes are preying on the confusion surrounding disrupted mail and parcel deliveries.
Scammers Capitalize on Holiday Chaos
The Canada Post strike, which began on November 15, has created a fertile ground for fraudulent activity. Octavia Howell, chief information security officer at Equifax Canada, described the rise in scams as “exponential,” with daily fraud reports increasing dramatically. “We’re seeing up to 87 reports in one day from the same IP addresses,” Howell said, warning of the “insidious” nature of these attacks.
Common tactics include fake notifications about undelivered packages and demands for payment to release shipments. Canada Post has reiterated that it does not send unsolicited emails or texts about deliveries unless requested and has urged consumers to watch for poor grammar, inconsistent branding, or unusual tracking numbers in messages.
Protecting Against Fraud
Organizations like the Better Business Bureau and Canada Post are advising Canadians to avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts. Instead, consumers should visit official courier websites for updates and verify the legitimacy of delivery services. Suspicious messages should be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Timothy Byrnes of Montreal-based Jet Worldwide highlighted how scammers often impersonate courier companies. “They’ll claim they’re holding your package and demand payment for delivery,” he explained. Fraudulent sites even mimic legitimate couriers, asking for credit card details to pay fabricated fees.
Heightened Consumer Awareness Needed
Experts like Howell stress the importance of vigilance. “Always verify where it’s coming from,” she advised. Awareness of recent purchases and a cautious approach to unsolicited messages can help avoid scams. For instance, messages claiming account lockouts from unfamiliar banks or expensive purchases can often be dismissed outright.
Fraudsters Exploit Public Awareness
Ironically, heightened public awareness about the Canada Post strike has enabled scammers to craft more convincing schemes. “They feed off heightened awareness,” Howell noted, urging consumers to take a moment before reacting to suspicious messages.
As holiday shopping ramps up and the Canada Post strike continues, Canadians are encouraged to stay cautious and prioritize verifying sources before responding to delivery-related communications.