Recognize it! Report it!

Recognize It!

Here are some facts about fraud in Canada. With a little awareness, you can avoid becoming a victim.

• Thousands of Canadians are defrauded each year. Recognizing fraud is the first step to better protect yourself.
• There is no typical fraud victim in Canada. In fact, fraud victims are likely to be educated, informed, relatively affluent and involved in their communities.
• Scam artists are imaginative and well–organized.
• If they are able to scam you once, they will try to scam you again.

Scammers are professional criminals. They know what they’re doing. Here are some of the techniques used by scammers:

• Professional marketing materials
• Well–crafted and researched telephone scripts
• Friendly tone and "generous" offers
• Believable answers for your tough questions
• Ability to impersonate legitimate businesses, charities, and causes
• Expertise to use your own emotions against you
• Victim lists are traded amongst scammers

Here are some simple guidelines to help you beat the scammers:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Think twice if you get an offer like this.
• Whether it is for a job or investment opportunity, or another type of irresistible offer, always get independent advice first if the offer involves time pressure, providing personal information, or sending money.
• If you receive a cheque and are asked to return a portion of the funds by using a money transfer company, beware!
• Log directly on Web sites you choose to visit instead of clicking on links in e-mails you receive. Those links might send you to bogus Web sites.
• False charities seem to flourish after a major disaster. If you are solicited by canvassers or receive e-mail or telephone solicitations to donate, be cautious. Get information from the canvasser or caller, and then cross-check directly through the registered charity. Registered Canadian charities (for income tax purposes) are listed on the Canada Revenue Agency Web site.
• If you are told you are a lottery winner, ensure that it is a draw you actually entered. Legitimate lottery and sweepstakes administrators will never ask you for fees to deliver your prize.
• Never give details about your bank accounts or credit cards to anyone you do not know or trust over the phone, by e-mail or fax. If a call–back number is provided, you may be dealing with a scammer. Contact the said company or bank directly to validate that number and contact person.
• Be aware of "get rich quick" promotions, including work–at–home schemes or multi-level marketing plans, that suggest they require little effort or investment. Again, offers that are too good to be true are almost always scams.
• If you are unsure of a situation, it is always best to contact one of the following organizations:
  • Competition Bureau
    www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
    1–800–348–5358
  • Canadian Anti–Fraud Centre (formerly Phonebusters)
    www.antifraudcentre.ca
    1–888–495–8501
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
    www.recol.ca
  • Better Business Bureau
    www.ccbbb.ca
  • Canada Revenue Agency – Charities Directorate
    www.cra-arc.gc.ca
    1–800–267–2384

Report It!

The information you provide is important

If you spot a scam, if a scam artist contacts you or you have been defrauded, contact the Competition Bureau or the Canadian Anti–Fraud Centre (formerly Phonebusters)

We will gather evidence, identify new trends and alert law enforcement in Canada and abroad.

By reporting, you help prevent others from becoming fraud victims.

You may also contact one of the following organizations:

• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
  www.recol.ca
• Better Business Bureau
  www.ccbbb.ca

Credit bureaus can put a fraud alert on your account, which will alert lenders and creditors of potential fraud:

• Equifax: 1–800–465–7166
• TransUnion: 1–866–525–0262
• 1–877–713–3393 for Quebec residents

Your local police, credit card companies, banks and provincial records offices can help also.