In recent weeks, Canadians have experienced a significant increase in fraud attempts, with scams being particularly rampant due to the ongoing Canada Post strike coinciding with the holiday season. Octavia Howell, the chief information security officer at Equifax Canada, highlighted this troubling spike, noting an “exponential” rise in scams that include various deceitful tactics such as phishing emails and deepfake phone calls. Typically, during major political events or strikes, consumer frauds tend to increase, and the current holiday period adds an additional layer of urgency to online shopping, exacerbating the situation. Howell points out that as many Canadians anxiously await parcels, the confusion arising from the strike has made them more susceptible to deceptive tactics, resulting in a surge of fraudulent activities.
As delivery services were halted on November 15 due to the strike, Canadians were urged to remain vigilant against potential scams. Canada Post has reiterated that they would only communicate via text or email if such contact was initiated by the customer. Thus, consumers should be wary of unsolicited messages that may be attempts at phishing or other fraudulent schemes. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has similarly cautioned the public, encouraging individuals to be skeptical of fake package delivery offers proliferating during the strike period. They advised verifying the validity of any suspicious shipment offers, checking for businesses’ accreditation, and steering clear of unsolicited communications that claim to be from Canada Post or other carriers.
Scammers often use reputable companies to instill a false sense of security, attempting to lure victims into providing sensitive information or payments. Timothy Byrnes, of Jet Worldwide — a Montreal-based courier service — noted that fraudsters might claim to have packages needing clearance, which would require payment to pretend to facilitate shipping. In one instance, a SMS claiming to be from the U.S. Postal Service suggested a package was “detained” due to an “invalid zip code,” leading recipients to click on a link that posed as a postal service website. This site then prompted victims to enter personal and financial information under the guise of paying “service fees,” demonstrating how easily scammers exploit notable brands to gather data for financial theft.
Equifax Canada’s reports on fraudulent activities have reflected this alarming trend, with instances of fraud jumping from a handful of reports to as many as 87 in just one day, all stemming from the same IP addresses. Howell describes the situation as “insidious,” asserting that the operational impediments caused by the Canada Post strike have only fueled the fire of dishonesty among scammers. The practical concern is that during the holiday season, Canadians are particularly vulnerable due to the increased volume of online shopping, thus becoming prime targets for fraudsters, who capitalize on heightened anxiety regarding shipment statuses and delivery services.
To combat these deceptive practices, Canada Post has advised customers to reach out to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if they suspect any communications regarding the postal service are fraudulent. They encouraged consumers to remain cautious about any unsolicited messages or phone calls that request personal information or payment. Howell reiterated the importance of verifying the origin of communications, as even messages regarding significant monetary transactions should be treated with skepticism. Individuals are discouraged from acting immediately on such notifications and are instead encouraged to independently check the status of their packages on official websites.
Consumer awareness is key in fighting back against scams, especially those that may feel credible in light of current events. The increased knowledge of strikes and related delivery issues, while beneficial in some respects, can also be manipulated by scammers to create a sense of urgency that pushes individuals to act without due diligence. Howell emphasizes the necessity for common sense and verification before engaging with any unsolicited communication, advocating for a thoughtful approach that prioritizes confirmation of the legitimacy of any claims made. Taking a moment to assess the situation and double-checking with trusted sources can help protect individuals from falling victim to these increasingly elaborate fraud attempts.
