Competition Bureau Fighting Fraud

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 1, 2012) - As Fraud Prevention Month launches this year under the theme of Building Consumer Confidence, the Competition Bureau announced today that it will participate in a series of anti-fraud initiatives to help boost local, regional and national economies by helping Canadians protect themselves from fraud and be active, confident and informed consumers.

The Competition Bureau is organizing a series of panel discussions on fraud prevention across Canada that will bring together experts from law enforcement agencies, academia, as well as businesses and consumer groups. The focus of these discussions will be on practical strategies for fighting fraud and raising awareness so that Canadians can protect themselves in the marketplace, particularly in the online and mobile environments. These events will take place at the University of Ottawa on March 6, at the University of Alberta in Edmonton on March 8, and at Concordia University in Montreal on March 13.

Fraud is a crime that affects individuals, businesses and the economy as a whole. "It's a matter of confidence," said Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Competition. "Consumers need to know enough to make informed purchasing choices, based on advertising that is truthful and complete."

The Competition Bureau, along with the Fraud Prevention Forum, plays an important role in helping Canadians get the information they need to be informed and confident consumers. Consumers also have a role to play in stopping fraud by arming themselves with the facts and reporting fraud when they encounter it.

The Fraud Prevention Forum, chaired by the Competition Bureau, is comprised of more than 125 private sector firms, consumer and volunteer groups, government agencies, and law enforcement organizations that have come together to help combat fraud and raise awareness. During Fraud Prevention Month, Forum members will participate in a number of targeted activities across the country, designed to raise awareness among consumers and businesses about the dangers of fraud.

Canadians are encouraged to visit the Fraud Prevention section of the Competition Bureau's website to find out how to reduce their vulnerability to fraud and view Forum members' activities in the Calendar of Events. Consumer tools on the website include: an updated fraud quiz; some common scams in the "Recognize it" section; victim stories that demonstrate how anyone can be a target of fraud; and other important tips on how to recognize fraud, report it and stop it.

To report instances of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or 1-888-495-8501, or the Competition Bureau at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca or 1-800-348-5358.

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

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