Fraud Prevention Month 2013: Join the fight against fraud

Ottawa Journal (February 25 – March 01, 2021)

Every year, fraud takes more than $10 billion from our economy.

Fraud is an equal-opportunity crime. It does not discriminate – Canadians of all ages and backgrounds are affected. Fraudsters are experts at identifying and exploiting our vulnerabilities. By using marketing pitches that promise to help us lose weight, to save us time or to replace lost income, and offer to do so “for free” or with “no risk,” fraudsters capitalize on the anxieties of Canadians.

The Government of Canada is taking action by vigorously enforcing the laws that fight fraud and stop misleading advertising. For example, under the Competition Act, the Competition Bureau pursues businesses and individuals who carry out deceptive marketing practices such as false or misleading advertising. The Competition Bureau also helps to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.

Canadian businesses and consumers play the most important role in the fight against fraud. Every person who reports new information provides potential evidence for investigators to take action; however, statistics show that, although 60 per cent of Canadians have been targeted by mass marketing fraud, often less than one per cent actually report their experiences. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the Competition Bureau and federal, provincial and municipal police forces are among the organizations Canadians can contact to help fight back.

Fraud can have a devastating personal impact. It also undermines the health of the economy. Consumers stop spending when they can’t trust how businesses advertise their products and services. By recognizing the signs of a scam and reporting it when things go wrong, Canadians can help fight fraud.

March is Fraud Prevention Month. The primary goal of this year’s campaign is to encourage Canadians to stand up against fraud, by being vigilant, and by reporting their experiences to authorities.

For more information, go to www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud or contact the Competition Bureau at 1‑800‑348‑5358.