Fraud Prevention Month: empowering Canadians with knowledge for 15 years

Fraud Prevention Month 2019 to launch at the Maison du développement durable in Montreal

OTTAWA, Feb. 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, Option consommateurs, the Competition Bureau, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the Canada Revenue Agency will join together to launch the 15^th edition of Fraud Prevention Month.

The four partners will discuss their respective roles in fighting fraud and highlight how fraudsters have changed their tactics over the past 15 years. The panel will also talk about how they are helping Canadians sharpen their fraud-fighting skills.

When it comes to fraud prevention, knowledge is power. With the tools provided by the Bureau and its partners, every Canadian can join the fight against fraud. It's all about recognizing the signs, rejecting suspicious claims and reporting them to the authorities. Trust your instincts! If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Over the course of the month of March, the Bureau and its partners from the Fraud Prevention Forum will lead a number of activities to raise awareness about new and ongoing scams. Stay connected to make sure you are properly equipped for the fight against fraud!

Quick Facts

• Fraud Prevention Month is an annual awareness campaign that empowers Canadians with the information they need to recognize, reject and report fraud.
• Follow #FPM2019 on Twitter to join the conversation on fraud prevention.
• Since 1983, Option consommateurs promotes and defends the interests of consumers and ensures that their interests are respected. They take a close interest in questions related to personal finances, financial services, business practices and private life, among others.
• The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is the central agency in Canada that collects information and criminal intelligence fraud.
  
• The Canada Revenue Agency regularly communicates with Canadians through various channels. To help you identify legitimate communications from the CRA, be aware of these guidelines and know what to expect when the CRA contacts you.

Quotes

"Scam artists continue to reach their victims by telephone, in person and increasingly through online platforms. A lot has changed since 2004, so we all need to be vigilant. In this digital world, the Bureau's focus remains on helping Canadians recognize, reject and report fraud. "

Kata Rados,
Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Competition Bureau

"Many things have changed over the past 15 years. New technology has appeared, and phishing techniques have become more sophisticated. However, many things have stayed the same. Fraudsters continue to use fear and a sense of urgency to get what they want."

Elise Thériault
Lawyer, Budget and Legal Advisor, Option consommateurs

"Fraudsters continue to target Canadians, stealing their hard earned money and leaving them devastated. Fraud prevention is a responsibility we all share. Through a partnership between the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) remains engaged and committed to combatting fraud. If you or someone you know has been targeted, report the incident to the CAFC."

Guy Paul Larocque, acting officer in charge at the CAFC

"We are all victims of fraud, including the Canada Revenue Agency, whose name and image are tainted by fraudsters. To learn more about scams and tax frauds that use the name of the Agency, or how to protect yourself, visit Canada.ca/taxes-fraud-prevention."

Frédérick Fink, Regional Spokesperson, Canada Revenue Agency

Related Information

• Fraud Prevention Month
• Competition Bureau's Fraud Portal
• Little Black Book of Scams 2^nd Edition
• Protect yourself from fraud

Associated Links

• Speech – Montreal Fraud Prevention Month launch event
• Competition Bureau
• Option consommateurs
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 
• Canada Revenue Agency

Enquiries/Complaints
Stay connected

The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace. 

SOURCE Competition Bureau

For further information: Media Relations: Telephone: [phone], Email: [e-mail]; For general enquiries, please contact: Information Centre, Competition Bureau, Telephone: [phone], Toll free: 1-800-348-5358, TTY (hearing impaired): 1‑866‑694‑8389, www.competitionbureau.gc.ca

Related Links

http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca