Businesses are being warned to ignore fraudulent emails claiming to offer vendor opportunities for the 2026 Manitoba Hydro Santa Parade.
In a notice issued Monday, parade organizers said they have become aware of scam emails inviting businesses to apply for vendor booths at next year’s event. The emails include booth pricing and instruct recipients to submit an application, with the promise of receiving an invoice if approved.
Parade officials stress the emails are not legitimate.
“The email is NOT from us,” Parade Director Monica Derksen said in the notice.
According to organizers, the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade does not have a vendor program and is not accepting vendor applications or collecting vendor fees. Any email requesting payment or applications for vendor space for the parade is fraudulent.
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What to do with scam messages
Organizers are urging anyone who receives one of the messages to:
Not respond to the email.
Not send any payment or personal information.
Not click on any links or attachments.
Forward the email to parade organizers so the incident can be documented.
Officials say all legitimate communications from the parade are sent only through authorized email addresses and official channels. Anyone unsure about the authenticity of a message is encouraged to contact the organization directly before taking any action.
The warning comes as online scams continue to target Manitoba organizations and consumers by impersonating trusted brands and community events.