If it looks too good to be true, it might be a scam: Calgary police warn holiday shoppers

The holidays are in full swing, and unfortunately so are scammers.

Whether online or on the phone, getting duped may be easier than ever.

The Calgary police issued a few holiday crime prevention tips Friday, designed to help Calgarians make sure they don’t fall victim to a scam.

Santi Morgan received a call she thought she was waiting for, from someone claiming to be from ICash Canada Loan.

“We’re going to make your Christmas amazing this year, you’re going to get that 10K in your account you get your credit increased,” Morgan said.

All she had to to do, the caller said, was pass along her banking information – until she was informed that her credit ranking didn’t qualify for the money, but that if she bought a gift card in good faith with money sent to her, she would.

She bought a $155 gift card, then sent the scammers a photo. Shortly after, she was told to spend another $400. She realized they never sent her money – and never would.

“They caught me in that perfect time,” Morgan said. “Especially if you’re in that vulnerable state, where you’re thinking like you know what, you want to build your credit, all you could think is the positive without realizing that someone is taking advantage of you.”

Santi Morgan was contacted on Wednesday by an individual claiming to be from ICash Canada Loan who was actually a scammer.

NOT ALONE: CALGARY BBB

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says Morgan’s not alone.

“We are seeing it more often and it’s really unfortunate, especially this time of year,” said Mary O’Sullivan Andersen, the present and CEO of BBB Calgary.

The scammer claimed they were associated with the BBB and several major banks. The BBB advises people to follow up on that information and also when someone is asking for your personal information, that’s when it’s time to take a step back.

“Act now, purchase a gift card, and turn over a gift card’ – any of those (directions) should just be signs to slow down,” Andersen said.

Meanwhile, cyber security experts warn Canadians to be cautious online at this time of year, with the rise in artificial intelligence scams becoming more sophisticated – all the more reason to be skeptical of deals on social media or through email.

“They are looking for a deal and they see something that just looks too good to be true – (and) it probably is,” said Robert Falzon, the head of engineering at Check Point Canada.

Falzon mentioned that with the rise in artificial intelligence and other improving technologies, scams are becoming more sophisticated. One trend they're noticing is the targeting of younger people.

“Social media hasn’t got the best record for vetting the sources of advertising and so forth,” said Falzon. “Kids who grew up very comfortable with social media and are very savvy are actually being victimized.”

Falzon has also noticed that many immigrants  are being targeted. The Calgary Police Service has put out cybersecurity (online shopping, sending holiday messages) recommendations:

• Protect your personal information: do not provide information like birthdates, addresses, your full name other personal details to strangers online
• Reputable organizations will never ask for your personal information through email or text
• Avoid accessing personal information from public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots
• Not everyone online is who they say they are. If things seem suspicious, cease communication immediately
• Keep an eye out for common red flags of online scams, including:
• Misspelled email addresses, websites, links or spelling errors in the messages
• Suspicious attachments or links
• Urgent requests with threats of legal action if demands are not followed
• Payment requested in the form of pre-paid gift cards, wire money transfers or other forms of non-secure payment
• Requests for personal or financial information
• Never commit to anything under pressure, especially if it requires a large payment up front or a long-term contract.

It’s advice that arrives too late in the holiday season for Morgan, but she hopes others are listening too, to avoid going through what she did.

“Give everyone a fair warning,” she said. “If it’s online and you’re giving your personal information, don’t.

“And,” she added. “If they tell you to go to a store and get a gift card, don’t!”