Consumer and business alerts

Alerts contain useful information for Canadian consumers and businesses to help them recognize, reject and report deceptive marketing practices, misleading advertising and scams.

Date Alert Title Category Hidden Search Terms
March 4, 2024 The rise of AI: Fraud in the digital age Consumer Artificial intelligence, fraud, digital age, fake products, fake services, voice cloning, misleading content, inconsistencies
January 18, 2024 Online reviews posted by employees: businesses could be liable Business employees, employers, social media, shopping, monitoring, reviews, ratings, connections
March 1, 2023 Quick easy money? Sometimes it’s a quick easy LIE Consumer cryptocurrency, fraud, investment, scam, digital finance
August 11, 2022 Snow removal businesses: Winter is coming Business snow removal, competition, businesses
March 2, 2022 Five-star fake out Consumer consumers, consumer reviews, online reviews, businesses
January 26, 2022 Be on the lookout for greenwashing Consumer enviro-friendly, greenwashing, environmental impact, false, misleading, environmental claims
March 15, 2021 Taking care of business Business Phishing scam, Intellectual Property renewal scam, Tech Support Scam, Fake CEO scam
March 1, 2021 Non-delivery scams: When nothing comes to those who wait Consumer third-party, online, shopping
March 11, 2020 Subscription traps: "no-strings attached" trial offers could leave you with your hands tied Consumer third-party, online, shopping
November 29, 2019 Check Out the Seller Before You Checkout Consumer third-party, online, shopping
August 29, 2019 Government websites: spot the legitimate among the fakes Consumer internet, government, services
July 2, 2019 Customer Loyalty Programs: What is your brand loyalty worth? Consumer rewards, loyalty, privacy
May 16, 2019 Telecom service agreements: that "forever price" may only be a "for now price" Consumer promotion, providers, commitment
February 27, 2019 Don't be bamboozled: the real deal with "bamboo fabric" Consumer greenwashing, rayon, processing
February 14, 2019 Online dating – know what you’re signing up for Consumer ficticious, free, privacy
December 11, 2018 Be smart with smart toys – know when to pull the plug Consumer interactive, security, privacy
November 21, 2018 Bargain hunting season could turn into a wild goose chase Consumer online, shopping, cancelled discounts
October 29, 2018 Tales from the Cryptocurrency Investment Ghouls, Goblins and Ghosts Consumer bitcoin, pyramid scheme, fraud
September 4, 2018 Happy International Day of Charity: give with confidence Consumer donor, funds, legitimate
August 16, 2018 Rental scam: no room for error Consumer housing, deposit, agreement
July 9, 2018 Leather furniture… True or faux? Consumer synthetic, material, durability
July 9, 2018 Cheat sheet: types of “leather” in furniture Consumer faux, imitation, genuine
June 27, 2018 Becoming your own boss: yes, but not at any cost Consumer pyramid, fees, compensation
May 24, 2018 Pop-up surveys can be a) scams b) traps c) costly? Consumer subscription, trap, free
March 19, 2018 A special prize just for you? Don’t be fooled into believing you are a sweepstakes winner Consumer processing, fee, fraudulent
February 15, 2018 Debt relief promises: Tips for choosing a debt relief service that keeps its word Consumer creditors, repayment, credit
January 15, 2018 Experiencing the post-holiday weight blues? Be careful! Many diets or fat-burning products may only lighten your wallet Consumer diet, device, ads
December 15, 2017 Fill your library, not their wallets Consumer gift cards, extortion, iTunes
November 7, 2017 Seven questions you should ask before buying new appliances Consumer warranties, restrictive, repairs
October 31, 2017 Unexpected letters from a psychic: all signs point to fraud Consumer elderly, fraud, mail
September 20, 2017 Free trial that turns out to be a monthly subscription: it’s a trap Consumer shipping, pop-up, survey
August 1, 2017 The next time you move, dodge the “rogue movers” who take your belongings hostage Consumer classified, extra, fees
July 26, 2017 Summer is still in full swing, but winter is just a season away Consumer snow, removal, contractor
July 13, 2017 Mind the “$”: Is that price in Canadian or American dollars? Consumer currency, online, shopping
May 12, 2017 Hang up on tech experts claiming your computer has a virus. It’s a scam. Consumer expert, software, fraud
May 10, 2017 Avoid the wrong kind of surprise this Mother’s Day Consumer flowers, online, shopping
March 31, 2017 Fraud Prevention is a Year-round Affair Consumer scams, report, knowledge
March 28, 2017 You can help by reporting fraud — be a scam-buster! Consumer report, fraud, online
March 14, 2017 Don’t invest in fraud: know how to spot investment scams Consumer risk, insider, securities
February 10, 2017 Know the Price of Love Consumer deceptive, tactics, online
December 8, 2016 Traveling for the Holidays? Don’t get wrapped up in surprise fees Consumer surprise, hidden, fees
November 21, 2016 High-end online shopping at “bargain basement” prices Consumer online, fraud, auction
August 8, 2016 Foul play: sports streaming packages’ fine print can hide true terms and conditions Consumer availability, games, disclaimer
July 18, 2016 Competition Bureau warns consumers about deceptive door-to-door sales of water heaters and HVAC systems Consumer doortodoor, upgrades, misrepresent
May 10, 2016 Fort McMurray fires: Beware of fake charities and donation scams Consumer legitimate, fraud, online
May 3, 2016 Don’t Flip for "Free" Real Estate Investment Seminars Consumer training, flipping, profit
April 18, 2016 Home buyers surprised at high fees to exit water heater rental contracts Consumer exit, fees, cost
April 1, 2016 Don’t Be Fooled! Fraud Prevention is a Year round Affair Consumer tools, information, scams
March 31, 2016 Beware the Green Gremlin of Investment Fraud Consumer securities, scams, fraud
March 30, 2016 Scammers reaching new lows as they focus their efforts on defrauding immigrants and refugees Consumer deportation, settlement, sponsorship
March 29, 2016 Tips for consumers: recognize, reject, report fraud Consumer identity, text, passwords
March 18, 2016 Don’t Trust Companies That Promise Government Grants and Loans Consumer fee, funding, access
March 8, 2016 Free Trial Scams: Too Good To Be True! Consumer subscription, traps, trial
November 26, 2019 Scam alert: Retailers targeted with fake product recalls Business prepaid credit cards, fax, scam
April 25, 2018 Business directories: Double-check before writing a cheque Business invoice, online, advertising
April 17, 2018 What you don't know about contracts could hurt your business Business clause, fees, term
June 21, 2017 Show them who’s the boss—shut down the fake CEO scam Business email, transfer, executive
March 10, 2017 Snow removal businesses: Avoid a flurry of problems, steer clear of illegal agreements Business agreements, competitors, territory
March 7, 2017 Beware of emails and letters demanding payment to protect your intellectual property rights Business trademark, patent, brand
January 23, 2017 It's not easy being green. Businesses must back up their words. Business environment, mislead, advertise