<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?><!-- generator=Zoho Sites --><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><atom:link href="https://www.c3-solutions.ca/stories/tag/local/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title>C3 Solutions - Stories #local</title><description>C3 Solutions - Stories #local</description><link>https://www.c3-solutions.ca/stories/tag/local</link><lastBuildDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:55:00 -0700</lastBuildDate><generator>http://zoho.com/sites/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Stay Safe This Holiday Season: Watch Out for These Scams!]]></title><link>https://www.c3-solutions.ca/stories/post/stay-safe-this-holiday-season-watch-out-for-these-scams</link><description><![CDATA[The holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and celebration. But for scammers, it’s prime time to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. Wit ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_HWlhOv7FSEOLNvJSx2N6cA" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_YJkX4iKGSrat6NwKwZCC4w" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_fcRSPqSXS22LPqyaDFyoYQ" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_h9oeuILTQwih3OkIzd7vjg" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><style type="text/css">.zpelem-col { }</style><div><div><p><span style="color:inherit;">The holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and celebration. But for scammers, it’s prime time to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. With the hustle and bustle of gift shopping, planning gatherings, and year-end tasks, it's easy to overlook warning signs. Protect yourself and your loved ones from the grinches of the holidays by staying informed about these common holiday scams:</span></p></div>
</div></div><div><div><div><figure><span style="cursor:pointer;"><img src="https://www.c3-solutions.net/images/Untitled%20design-201-.png" alt="scamming grinch (produced by OpenAI)"></span></figure></div>
</div></div></div><div><h3><span style="color:inherit;"><strong>Top Holiday Scams to Watch For:</strong></span></h3></div>
<div><div><div style="color:inherit;"><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Counterfeit Merchandise</span><br/><span style="color:inherit;">That designer handbag or new gaming console advertised at half price might look like a steal, but it could be fake—or worse, non-existent. Scammers often create professional-looking websites with &quot;too-good-to-be-true&quot; deals. After payment, you may receive a poorly made knockoff or nothing at all. Look for spelling errors on the site and check for secure payment methods before purchasing.</span></li></div>
<p></p></div></div><div><div><div><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Charity Scams</span><br/><span>Scammers know people are more likely to donate during the holidays. They impersonate real charities or invent fake ones to tug at your heartstrings. You might get a call, email, or even a door-to-door solicitor asking for contributions. Always verify the charity's legitimacy through trusted sources like the CRA Charity List or CanadaHelps.org.</span><br/></li></div>
</div></div><div><div><div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style><div><div style="color:inherit;"><div><li><span><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fraudulent Gift Cards</span><br/><span>Gift cards are a go-to holiday gift, but they’re also a target for scammers. Fraudsters tamper with cards in stores, scratching off the PIN to steal the funds once activated. Buying cards from unofficial sellers (like online marketplaces) is especially risky. Stick to purchasing directly from the retailer and inspect the card packaging before buying. This is something we can see in videos like </span>the one seen here:<br/></span></li></div>
</div><p></p></div></div></div><div><div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ahSx5PTi-EQ?si=upbeDCzMr5w9cmkg" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/embed/ahSx5PTi-EQ?si=upbeDCzMr5w9cmkg</a></div>
</div></div></div><div><div><li><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fake Secret Santa Schemes</span><br/>Social media &quot;Secret Santa&quot; gift exchanges promise you’ll receive multiple gifts if you send just one, but many are pyramid schemes in disguise. Others ask for your personal details, which could be used for identity theft. Be cautious about any exchange promoted through random social media posts or strangers.<br/><br/></p></li><li><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Shipping Frauds</span><br/>With the rise in online shopping, scammers send fake notifications claiming issues with your package. Emails or texts impersonate companies like Canada Post or UPS, urging you to click a link to &quot;resolve the issue&quot; or pay extra fees. These links often lead to phishing sites or malware. Always track your packages directly through the retailer’s website or the shipping provider’s official site.<br/><br/></p></li><li><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fake Online Shopping Links</span><br/>Those flashy ads you see on social media promising massive discounts on electronics, clothes, or toys often lead to fraudulent sites. Once you enter your payment information, you might receive counterfeit goods—or nothing at all. Stick to known retailers and avoid clicking on ads that seem suspicious.</p></li></div>
</div><div><h3><span style="color:inherit;"><strong>Tips to Protect Yourself:</strong></span></h3></div>
<div><div><div style="color:inherit;"><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Think Before You Click</span><br/>Avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts or emails. Instead, visit official websites directly. Don't click a link that may look like it is from Amazon containing products with what seems like a &quot;good&nbsp; deal&quot; as it is not, they will steal your money.<br/><br/></li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Do Your Research</span><br/>Verify charities through platforms like CanadaHelps.org or by checking their CRA registration. Also verify websites by checking reviews and using tools like Trend Micro or NordVPN. <br/><br/></li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Trust Your Instincts</span><br/>If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to trusted retailers and reputable sites. A luxury car on marketplace that needs no maintenance for a price that seems unreal it is. If a deal is on a website like Amazon but the url is NOT www.amazon.com/ or www.amazon.ca/ DO NOT buy it.&nbsp; <br/><br/></li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Secure Your Shopping</span><br/>Avoid using public Wi-Fi for transactions and ensure websites start with &quot;https://&quot; before entering payment information.<br/><br/></li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Scrutinize Reviews</span><br/>Fake testimonials and five-star reviews can be misleading. Make sure the profiles creating the reviews are valid and make sure the company has been around for a while.&nbsp; Check multiple sources.<br/><br/></li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Track Packages</span><br/>Keep records of your orders and expected delivery dates to avoid falling for fake tracking updates that look like emails containing your tracking date. To find most tracking dates on most sites click on your latest order and find the tracking number directly through the site you have made the purchase from. <br/></li></div>
<p></p></div></div><div><h2><span style="color:inherit;"><strong>Report Fraud</strong></span></h2></div>
<div><div><p><span style="color:inherit;">If you’ve been targeted or have lost money, report the incident to the <strong>Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre</strong> or contact the local police at <strong>1-888-310-1122</strong>.</span></p></div>
</div><div><div><p><span style="color:inherit;">Stay vigilant and keep your holiday season merry and bright by steering clear of these scams!</span></p></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
 ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:03:29 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[OPP warns public of online extortion scam in Prince Edward County]]></title><link>https://www.c3-solutions.ca/stories/post/opp-warns-public-of-online-extortion-scam-in-prince-edward-county</link><description><![CDATA[The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Prince Edward County is warning residents to be cautious online after receiving multiple reports of an online e ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_kwYo6pmCSYuAdhEey6a7sQ" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_ZxP1ZIjFTNqAI1rqA0lmQg" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_atbPvvssRBOidg_22EvQtA" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_jljPVLGrS5qEt00ZOtTJ7Q" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><div><div><div><figure><span style="color:inherit;">The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Prince Edward County is warning residents to be cautious online after receiving multiple reports of an online extortion scam in recent weeks.</span></figure></div></div><div><div><div style="color:inherit;"><p><br/></p><p>The scam involves emails that include personal information and falsely claim to have inappropriate videos or images of the recipient. Scammers demand $2,000 in cryptocurrency, threatening to release the alleged content if payment isn’t made.<br/><br/></p><p>To help protect yourself, the OPP recommends the following precautions:</p><ul><li>Take time to verify claims and ask questions.</li><li>Request credentials from individuals or organizations.</li><li>Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.</li><li>Be cautious of requests for cash or cryptocurrency.</li><li>Don’t act on urgent or high-pressure demands for money.<br/><br/></li></ul><p>Residents are urged to avoid rushing into payments and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.</p></div>
<p></p></div></div><div><h2>Interested in local security updates? <br/></h2></div>
<div><div><p>Sign up for our Security Newsletter Below.<br/></p></div></div></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:18:22 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Urgent Warning: Email Scam Impersonating RCMP Commissioner Targets Local Residents]]></title><link>https://www.c3-solutions.ca/stories/post/urgent-warning-email-scam-impersonating-rcmp-commissioner-targets-local-residents</link><description><![CDATA[ Attention, PEC residents! A severe email scam has recently been identified in our community, echoing similar incidents reported in Nova Scotia last y ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_gMDc8FhXSTiXpBPeL94oFQ" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_6dvA_ejZTG-ujN2FGkx0pA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_aIP4crTJTx-KlHWl6juqvQ" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_ioylv5NPRHKobJzQg3RigA" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="text-align:left;"><div><div><div><div><div><style type="text/css">.zpelem-col { }</style><div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style><div> Attention, PEC residents! A severe email scam has recently been identified in our community, echoing similar incidents reported in Nova Scotia last year. The scam involves fraudulent emails impersonating the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Mr. Michael Duheme, threatening recipients with legal action if they do not respond within 24 hours. </div>
</div><div><style>.zpelem-heading { }</style><h2><span><span><span><span style="font-size:20px;font-weight:600;">Scam Details</span><span style="font-size:18px;"><br/></span></span></span></span></h2></div>
<div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style><div><p><span style="color:inherit;">The scam email typically contains alarming messages, such as:</span></p></div>
</div><div><style>.zpelem-image { }</style><div><figure><img src="https://www.c3-solutions.net/images/FAKE%20REPORT.png" style="width:745.74px !important;height:308px !important;max-width:100% !important;"></figure></div>
</div><div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style><div><p><span style="font-weight:bold;color:rgb(226, 29, 29);">DO NOT OPEN ANYTHING WITHIN THIS EMAIL.</span> With emails from scammers it is best to never open attachments or links to avoid giving the scammers access to your devices or data. <br/></p></div>
</div><div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style><div><p><span style="color:inherit;">These unsolicited emails often threaten recipients to make contact under false pretenses. The emails use the names and positions of real police officers, increasing their legitimacy and inducing fear. Once contact is made through a fake email provided in the message, the scammers demand personal information or financial assets such as cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. In some cases, the email claims the recipient has visited inappropriate websites and threatens to report this information unless they respond.</span></p></div>
</div><div><style>.zpelem-heading { }</style><h2><span><span><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-size:20px;">What you need to know</span><span style="font-size:20px;"><br/></span></span></span></span></h2></div>
<div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style><br/><div><li style="line-height:2;"><strong>Police and Legitimate Organizations Do Not Operate This Way</strong>: Authentic police departments and organizations will never send threats or demands for personal information or money through unsolicited emails.</li><br/><li style="line-height:2;"><strong>Be Wary of Unsolicited Contact</strong>: Whether it’s by phone, text, or email, always verify the source before providing any information. Contact the organization directly using verified contact details from a legitimate website or phone book.</li></div>
</div><div><style>.zpelem-heading { }</style><h2><span><span><span style="font-weight:700;"><span style="color:inherit;font-size:20px;">Protect Yourself and Others</span></span></span></span></h2></div>
<div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style><div><div style="color:inherit;"><li><strong>Do Not Click Links or Respond</strong>: Avoid clicking on any links or responding to contact information provided in unsolicited messages. Scammers are often highly convincing and engaging with them can put you at greater risk.</li></div>
<div><br/></div><div style="color:inherit;"><li><strong>Share Your Experience</strong>: Inform family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about this scam. Sharing your knowledge can help prevent others from becoming victims.</li></div>
<p></p></div></div><div><style>.zpelem-heading { }</style><h2><span><span><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-size:20px;">What do you do if you get this email?</span><span style="font-size:20px;"><br/></span></span></span></span></h2></div>
<div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style><div><p>First thing you need to do is inform your local police station of these types of scams. They have ongoing investigations into scams like these and with more information it will help them fight these types of attacks locally.&nbsp;<br/><br/>Second thing is to remember NEVER open ANY links or attachments in an email that you get and are not familiar with the senders email. Be aware to look at the from/sender emails as well. Some that may seem familiar can be very very fake. Like the one above, infos.rcmp.ca@gmail.com. It almost looks real but the RCMP would never use an email like this. <br/><br/>If you are ever worried about emails like this you can find solutions like Trend Micro and other email security services that monitor your incoming mail and can layer in that next level of security you may need. Or reach out to your local police to find out if the sender or someone else has been reported as a spam sender or what to look for in the email that may concern you. <br/></p></div>
</div><div><style type="text/css">.zprow { }</style><div><style type="text/css">.zpelem-col { }</style><div><style>.zpelem-heading { }</style><h2><span><span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-weight:700;"><span style="color:inherit;">Protect Yourself with Trend Micro Security Solutions</span></span></span></span></span></h2></div>
<div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style><div><p><span style="color:inherit;">To safeguard your business from these and other malicious scams, consider enhancing your online security with C3's comprehensive protection solutions. Our solutions offer advanced features to detect and block phishing emails, fraudulent websites, and other cyber threats from accessing your business's vital data and information.</span></p></div>
</div><div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style><div><p>To find out more about our cyber security ask about our maintenance plans. <br/></p></div>
</div><div><style>.zpelem-text { }</style></div></div><div><style type="text/css">.zpelem-col { }</style></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><style type="text/css">.zpbutton.zpbutton-type-primary { border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; border-width: 1px }</style><a href="/solutions/technical" target="_blank" title="Maintenance Plans"><span>Maintenance Plans</span></a></div>
</div><div><div><p><span style="color:inherit;"><a href="https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2023/rcmp-warns-public-unsolicited-emails-1" target="_blank" rel="">RCMP Release Oct 9 2023</a></span></p></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
 ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:35:09 -0400</pubDate></item></channel></rss>