As the winter lights go up and the holiday cheer begins, something else quietly rises too: the risk of scams aimed at older adults. It might start with a fake charity email, an urgent text about a family emergency, or a too-good-to-be-true holiday deal. What begins as excitement or generosity can quickly turn into confusion, financial loss, and a sense of violation.

A Familiar Story

Clara, 72, was looking forward to buying her grandchildren their favourite toys online. She found a “limited edition” bundle, paid immediately, and clicked the link. A few days later, she got a call: the payment didn’t go through, and if she’d send the gift-card codes to the caller, the order would be fulfilled. Feeling pressured, she complied. By the time she realized what had happened, the money was gone, and the toy never arrived.

Clara’s experience isn’t rare. For many older Canadians, holiday stress, the rush to do good, and digital unfamiliarity combine to create the perfect storm for deception.

Why the Holidays Increase Risk

There are three main reasons why the scam risk spikes at this time of the year. People are more generous and distracted during the holidays, and scammers take advantage of that. Online activity increases as older adults shop, donate, and connect virtually. And emotional pressure is higher — the messages sound caring or urgent, designed to rush a decision before there’s time to think.

Recognizing the Trick

Scams aimed at older adults often follow familiar patterns. A caller or message poses as a charity, government agency, or even a family member in distress. They ask for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers — methods that can’t be reversed. They insist that you act quickly or keep it secret. These tactics aren’t random. They are carefully planned to exploit trust and emotion.

How to Protect Yourself or a Loved One

The best defence starts with slowing down. Before you click or pay, pause and ask if you expected the message or know the sender. Talk to a friend or family member if something feels off. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and keep your devices up to date. Treat gift cards like cash — if someone asks you to send codes or use them for payment, stop immediately. Most of all, stay connected. Regular contact with friends and family makes it harder for scammers to isolate anyone.

What Communities and Professionals Can Do

Financial institutions, social workers, and community groups can all help. Bank staff can flag unusual transactions. Neighbours can notice when something doesn’t seem right. Local programs or churches can host short workshops on safe online shopping or how to spot fake charities. These small actions can prevent large losses.

Moving Forward

Clara cancelled her cards, reported the fraud, and talked with her grandchildren about shopping online safely. It took time to rebuild her confidence, but she says she feels stronger now. “I thought this wouldn’t happen to me,” she says, “but I learned that being cautious is not the same as being fearful.”

Holiday scams can take away money and trust, but they don’t have to take away hope. Awareness, patience, and kindness are still the best defences.

Helpful Resources

• Office of the Seniors Advocate BC. (2024). “Scams of the Holiday Season 2024.” Retrieved from https://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/current-issues/scams-of-the-holiday-season-2024/
• Government of Canada. (2025). “What every older Canadian should know about: Fraud and scams.” Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors-forum-federal-provincial-territorial/fraud-scams.html
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police. (2022). “Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security.” Retrieved from https://rcmp.ca/sites/default/files/doc/2022-seniors-guidebook-to-safety-and-security.pdf
• Verafin. (2023). “Elder Financial Abuse in Canada.” Retrieved from https://verafin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/elder-abuse-infographic-canada-verafin-20230707-1.pdf
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
• Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario – Fact Sheets — https://www.eapon.ca/factsheets/
• Advocacy Centre for the Elderly – Scams Targeting Seniors — https://www.acelaw.ca/consumer-protection-resources/warning-scams-targeting-seniors/