10/13/2026
How many times did you shop online this week? Clicking the “buy” button is convenient, but it’s important to know the site you’re purchasing from is trustworthy.
Scammers create fake websites and apps to look like trusted retailers. They may offer prices that seem too good to be true, deliver poor-quality items, or send nothing at all.
Here are some tips to stay safe, look for:
• A web address that looks unusual or doesn’t match the retailer
• Broken links, spelling mistakes or missing contact information
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Requests for payment by cryptocurrency, wire transfer or gift card
• Missing or hard-to-find return and privacy policies
The Canadian Bankers Association recommends that you always shop with retailers you trust. Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi, and don’t respond to pop-up messages asking for personal or payment information.
Make sure to verify where you’re sending your money and learn more about spotting shopping scams through cba.ca.