---
title: "Ottawa Christmas market scam targets vendors: City and police issue warnings"
description: "Scammers are sending fake emails offering vendors spots at Ottawa holiday markets, then collecting e-transfer payments for booths that do not exist. The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Police have both posted warnings."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/on/ottawa-2026/news/ottawa-christmas-market-vendor-scam-november-2026"
last_updated: "2026-11-07T23:47:45.183Z"
---

Scammers posing as organizers of Ottawa holiday markets are sending fake booth offers by email and collecting e-transfer payments from vendors who think they have secured a spot, CTV News Ottawa reported Saturday.

One vendor, Desiree Battisti, told CTV she received an email from a Gmail address in October offering her Italian business a spot at the Ottawa Christmas Market in Lansdowne. The email came about a week after she had already contacted the market directly, so the timing seemed normal. She paid two separate e-transfers totaling $500. Her bank later told her she had been scammed.

"I'm in complete disbelief," Battisti told CTV. "I'm a very resourceful business owner."

## Three markets affected

CTV News Ottawa reported that at least three markets have been targeted: the Ottawa Christmas Market, the Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craftshow and the Metcalfe Farmers' Market.

The City of Ottawa has posted a warning on its website saying it is aware of scammers targeting the Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craftshow. The Ottawa Christmas Market had previously posted its own warning on social media telling vendors to confirm they are dealing with a legitimate representative.

Reeann Slater, manager of the Metcalfe Farmers' Market, told CTV she has been warning vendors for weeks. On one Saturday morning, she said, a vendor arrived with a car full of merchandise for a booth they had never legitimately booked.

"They're just taking so much money from so many people," she told CTV.

## Police warning

Ottawa Police Service told CTV it is aware of the scam and is recommending vendors always use official websites to find contact information for market organizers. Technology analyst Carmi Levy said a phone call to a verified number is a reliable check before agreeing to pay.

Levy told CTV that e-transfers cannot be reversed once the money is sent. "Make sure that you know who they are," he said.

Farmers' Markets Ontario told CTV the scam is a serious issue for the industry and recently held an information session for members.

## What vendors can do

Before paying for a booth at any Ottawa holiday market, check the market's official website for contact details rather than replying to an email that arrived without a prior request. If you have already paid and believe you have been scammed, report it to Ottawa Police Service at ottawapolice.ca.

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/on/ottawa-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.