Smart consumers are good for business
Gift Cards
Gift cards can be the perfect holiday present. Easy to carry, easy to wrap, easy to use. But gift cards, especially those good for buying things online, are becoming the target of gift card thieves.
Scam artists don't steal gift cards from the store or out of your pocket. Instead, they go to gift card racks and write down the card numbers. After a few days they call the toll-free customer service number to check the remaining balance on the card. Once they find the card has been activated, the thieves go online and start shopping with your card.
If you buy gift cards from a display rack in the store, you may become a victim.
Tips to avoid gift card scams:
- Buy gift cards from the person behind the counter if you can. It's safer than buying it off the rack.
- Opt for gift cards that have a protective backing or a scratch-off PIN number so that only the purchaser can use it.
- Check the packaging or the back of the card for tampering before you purchase the card.
- Always keep your receipts, which will usually show the card number and how much you have paid.
Our goal at the Ministry of Government Services is to promote a fair, safe and informed marketplace — one in which your rights as a consumer are fully protected. Legislation protects these rights by setting out ground rules covering most consumer transactions. Explore this section to learn more.
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Real Estate Fraud
Take an active role in protecting your home. Find out what you can do to safeguard your property and the steps you should take if you become a victim of real estate fraud. Visit the Real Estate Fraud section.
Pre-payment – it’s how we buy many goods and services in Ontario, like putting down your money at the fitness club before losing your first pound. This section will help you avoid some of the common risks – and scams – that can make a pre-paid transaction turn sour. It also explains your protections under the law.
As a consumer, you have a lot going for you when it comes to buying and selling your vehicle and taking your car in for repairs – probably more than you think. This section outlines your important rights and obligations under Ontario legislation.
With credit repairers, loan brokers and credit reporting agencies, there are a number of potential pitfalls consumers can fall into when dealing with money. This section was designed not only to offer helpful advice on protecting your name, but also to make Ontario consumers aware of their important rights and obligations.
Everyone looks forward to a vacation, whether it’s the lights and excitement of a cosmopolitan city or a quiet stretch of beach. Whatever kind of vacation you choose, take the time to ensure it’s a good one. Click here for information on safe travel.
Learn here about different types of scams and how to avoid being taken advantage of. If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, find out what you can do.
Visit this section for tips on how to protect yourself against identity theft, reduce your risks or get advice on what to do if you have become a victim.
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