Happy Holidays from O55 & Neighbourhood Watch London!
We hope you have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. And that you are looking forward to a prosperous new year.
Holiday Scam Prevention
Fraudsters don’t take a holiday, so it’s important to recognize scams that are especially prevalent during the holiday season. Here are some of the practices on the “naughty list”.
- Advertisments on social media. If you’re unsure about an ad, check for the similar product on a trusted website, or find the company online at its real IP address to see if it’s offering the same product at the advertised price.
- Gift card scams. Watch out for high service fees. Consider buying cards at a physical location such as a retail store.
- Fake charities. Scammers exploit the spirit of holiday giving through fake online charities and phony requests by phone. Research the charity, and don’t give money to unsolicited callers who demand immediate payment.
For ongoing information about fraud prevention and reporting visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre website.
Preventing Porch Theft
Online shopping is especially popular during the holiday season. But according to a 2019 survey conducted for FedEx, 68% of Canadians asked said they were concerned about porch pirates. A further 29% said they had experienced package theft.
Here are some ways to reduce the risk of having your packages stolen.
- Install a security camera.
- Opt in for notifications on your package to keep up with tracking.
- Use package redirecting if you will not be home to receive the package. Set delivery instructions and preferences on where to leave the package at your doorstep.
- Require a photo for proof of delivery.
- Require a signature upon delivery.
The 12 Days of Safety
Think about safety in and around your home. Here are some tips from Health Canada:
- When buying a real tree make sure it’s fresh. The needles should be hard to pull out. Water the tree daily once indoors.
- Use lights with an accredited certification such as CSA. Ensure indoor lights are only used indoors, and check light strings and extensions to make sure they’re not frayed.
- Make sure toys are age-appropriate to prevent choking hazards.
Check out the Government of Canada website. Tips For Holiday Safety
Be Road Ready
The holidays are a time to visit friends and family. And that often means taking road trips. Driving according to road conditions and having a well-maintained vehicle are important. But if the unexpected happens, it’s a good idea to have emergency supplies in the trunk of your car. These include:
- Sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping)
- Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
- Tow rope
- Jumper cables
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning light or road flares
For more tips and information, visit the Government of Canada website:
And finally, we wish all of you a safe and happy holiday, and an excellent 2024.