Saanich police are warning residents to stay vigilant as thieves and scammers will be out in full swing for the holiday season.
When online shopping, the Saanch Police Department says to watch out for porch pirates and for those expecting deliveries to make sure to have a plan to safely receive them. Online shoppers are advised to watch for fraudsters posing as genuine sellers who post fake ads for items that do not exist.
And for those heading to brick-and-mortar stores, shoppers should "never leave packages that can be seen in your vehicle. Make sure to lock them in your trunk," according to a news release.
As giving is part of the holiday season for many, police urge donors to make sure they aren't donating to fake charities.
"Charity/donation scams involve misleading or fraudulent solicitation for a donation to a charity, association, federation or religious cause. Refuse high-pressure requests for donations, ask for written information about the charity and do your own research. Remember to always ask for the charitable tax number and confirm their registration with the Canada Revenue Agency or by phone at 1-800-267-2384," noted the release.
Additionally, gift exchange posts on social media feeds may seem like a fun activity where participants only have to send one gift and receive multiple in return, however, these exchanges often hide the fact that they are pyramid schemes, where only those at the top profit.
"Holidays are a busy time for everyone. However, if you remember to slow down, take a breath, do a bit more research, or check in with someone you trust, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding fraud, and have a happier holiday," noted the release.
