Golden Rules
Remember
these golden rules to help you beat the scammers.
·
Always get independent advice if an offer
involves money, personal information, time or commitment.
·
There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes—sometimes the only people who
make money are the scammers.
·
Do not agree to offers or deals right away. If
you think you have spotted a great opportunity, insist on time to get
independent advice before making a decision.
·
Do not hand over money or personal information,
or sign anything until you have done your homework and checked the credentials
of the company that you are dealing with.
·
Do not rely on glowing testimonials: find solid
evidence of a company's success.
·
Log directly on to a website that you are
interested in rather than clicking on links provided in an email.
·
Never send money, or give credit card or online
account details to anyone you do not know and trust.
·
If you spot a scam or have been scammed, get
help. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the Competition
Bureau or your local police
for assistance.
Report It! Stop It!
Stopping fraudsters is critical. By reporting a scam, you help prevent others from becoming fraud
victims. The information you provide is important! If you decide to file a
complaint, it is important that you keep any evidence you may have related to
your complaint. Keep items in a safe location in the event that you are
requested to provide them. This information may form an important part of any
investigation. The information you provide could be used as evidence during a
prosecution.
To report a scam, contact the:
In addition, credit bureaus can put a fraud alert on your account, which
will alert lenders and creditors of potential fraud:
Equifax: 1-800-465-7166
TransUnion: 1-866-525-0262
1-877-713-3393 for Quebec residents
TransUnion: 1-866-525-0262
1-877-713-3393 for Quebec residents
Your local police, credit card companies, credit unions and provincial
records offices can also be of assistance.
Stay tuned for more about fraud in the coming days.
Click here for more about fraud.
* With information from the Government of Canada Competition Bureau web site and The Little Black Book of Scams published by the Competition Bureau Canada 2012.
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