March is Fraud Prevention Month

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FRAUD: RECOGNIZE IT. REPORT IT. STOP IT.

Brought to you by the Competition Bureau, on behalf of the Fraud Prevention Forum

Fraud by telephone, Internet and mail is a serious international problem.

It steals your money, your identity and even your self-respect.

You can protect yourself by learning to recognize the signs.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Fraud

• Don’t be fooled by the promise of a valuable prize in return for a low-cost purchase.
• Don’t be afraid to hang up the phone, delete the email or close your Internet connection.
• Don’t purchase a product or service without carefully checking out the product, service and company.
• Don’t be afraid to request further documentation from the caller so you can verify the validity of the company.
• Don’t disclose personal information about your finances, bank accounts, credit cards, social insurance and driver’s license numbers to any business that can’t prove it is legitimate.
• If a scam artist contacts you, or you’ve been defrauded, call PhoneBusters, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre, at 1-888-495-8501.

Did you know that:

• the Competition Bureau is chair of the Fraud Prevention Forum?
• the Fraud Prevention Forum has been organizing Fraud Prevention Month activities since 2004?
• you can find out more about the Forum by visiting:

www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud

The Fraud Prevention Forum is a concerned group of private sector firms, consumer and volunteer groups, government agencies and law enforcement organizations, who are committed to fighting fraud aimed at consumers and businesses. Through its partners, the Forum works to prevent Canadians from becoming victims of fraud by educating them on how to recognize it, report it and stop it.

True or False?

1. There is no typical fraud victim in Canada.
2. Thousands of Canadians are defrauded each year.
3. The right information can help you avoid falling for fraud.

Answers: 1. true 2. true 3. true

MIRACLE CURES: A prescription for fraud

Combatting health fraud is a priority for the Competition Bureau. Bogus weight-loss schemes, cure-all scams or products claiming amazing health effects are some of the many areas of health fraud targeted by the Bureau.

Findings from a survey of Canadians:

35% of Canadians believe they have been the victim of mass marketing fraud

82% say mass marketing fraud is on the rise

59% of Canadians believe public education is the most effective way to combat fraud

Post-test of the Fraud Prevention Month Campaign 2007, by The Strategic Counsel

Fast Facts About Online Health Fraud

Did you know that of those seeking health information online:

• 53%reported that the information they found impacted how they take care of themselves or someone else
• 75%don’t check the source or the date of the information they find

Well the scammers do! Many miracle cures may be a scam that could cheat you of time, money and most importantly, your health. Be skeptical and discuss any treatments with a qualified health professional BEFORE you buy.

For more tips on how to spot health fraud and prevent falling victim to scams, check out the Competition Bureau’s health fraud page at:

www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/healthfraud

You’llneedmore than the luck of the Irish this St. Patrick’s Day if you’ve been told you’ve won a prize, but you must send money to claim your winnings.

Legitimate lottery and sweepstakes administrators never charge fees to deliver your prize.

Stop! Stop!

Protect yourself from scams and bogus offers:

• Shred unwanted personal information such as bank statements, credit card bills, unwanted receipts, cheques, pre-approved credit applications and old tax returns.
• Check your credit report every year and report problems immediately.
• Be extra cautious about calls, emails or mailings offering international bonds or lottery tickets, a portion of a foreign dignitary’s bank account, free vacations, credit repair or schemes with unlimited income potential.

www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud