International Day of Action Against Mass Marketing Fraud

Ottawa, June 1, 2010 — Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Canada's Competition Bureau, warned today that Canadian authorities and consumers must do whatever is possible to better protect themselves against the growing threat of mass marketing fraud.

Speaking on the designated International Day of Action Against Mass Marketing Fraud, Ms. Aitken said: "The Competition Bureau works closely with police and other law enforcement agencies to combat mass marketing fraud and bring to justice those who unscrupulously defraud consumers. Collaboration with our local, national and international partners is key to effectively fighting this type of activity and educating the public."

According to recent statistics from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), reported domestic mass marketing fraud has increased by 44.6% over the past two years. These types of crimes, which include acts committed on the Internet, broadcast media, telephone, and in person, cost Canadians $10.3 million in the last calendar year. That number compares to $7.1 million in 2007 and $9.9 million in 2008.

Total Canadian mass marketing fraud complaints against international and Canadian fraudsters amounted to more than $27 million last year, according to CAFC statistics. However, this figure represents only a fraction of the losses of victims of mass marketing fraud, as many choose not to report alleged crimes.

The Bureau is part of the International Mass Marketing Fraud Working Group (IMMFWG), which includes representatives from various international enforcement agencies who use cross-border intelligence sharing and strategy development to combat fraud.

June 1, 2010 was chosen by the IMMFWG as the date when participating countries would make a coordinated effort to draw attention to the serious problem of mass marketing fraud. In the 2010 Threat Assessment report, the IMMFWG indicated that some mass marketing fraud perpetrators are even using threats and violence against their victims.

For tips on how to protect yourself, or to report fraud, contact the Competition Bureau at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud or call 1-800-348-5358, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that contributes to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

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