Competition Bureau Investigation Leads to Deceptive Telemarketing Charges Against Two Individuals and a Company

OTTAWA, January 22, 2007 -- The Competition Bureau announced today that criminal charges have been laid against two persons allegedly involved in deceptive telemarketing activities in Montréal. The accused are Nikolaos Rothos, 31, of Brossard, and Stelios Vrontakis, 31, of Longueuil. The company, 9094-5114 Québec Inc., operating under the name Kinito Inc., has also been charged.

The victims, residing in the United States, were contacted by telemarketers who claimed they were offering them a credit card with a pre-authorized limit, in exchange for payment. The credit cards were never delivered to the victims.

The telemarketers also made representations that were false or misleading by giving victims the impression that the company issued credit cards. Rather than receiving a credit card, victims received a document with a list of banks, for the purpose of applying for a credit card.

"Everyone is a potential target of deceptive telemarketing," said Raymond Pierce, Deputy Commissioner, Competition Bureau. "We will continue to vigorously pursue those individuals who commit such egregious crimes so that Canadians can have confidence in the marketplace."

The Bureau wishes to thank the Service de police de la ville de Montréal (SPVM), which assisted with this investigation.

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

For media enquiries, please contact:
Maureen McGrath
Communications Advisor
Competition Bureau
819-953-8982

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
819-997-4282
1-800-348-5358