CINAA / ACAIR 6817 bytes) The purpose of the CINAA Web site is to provide you with information to protect you from telecommunications fraud. Anyone can be a victim of telecommunications fraud. The information contained here can protect you. The CINAA Web site is sponsored by Bell Canada

 

Telemarketing Fraud Telephone at Home (6742 bytes)
Telemarketing is the sale of products or services through use of the telephone. It is a fast growing and legitimate way of doing business.
However, a small number of businesses utilize telemarketing for fraudulent purposes. Typically, these illegitimate businesses call to advise that you have won a great prize. However, in order to claim that prize, you must first make some form of payment:
Send money to pay for taxes, shipping and handling, etc.
Send money to upgrade the quality of the prize.
Purchase a product in order to qualify for the prize.
After following their instructions in order to claim the prize, they may ask for more money. The prize never arrives or is not as described. These businesses often focus their efforts on the elderly and have proven especially ruthless to those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. In some cases, they have managed to obtain more than $100,000 from their victims.

Businesses involved in illegal forms of telemarketing generally provide business names which sound impressive and legitimate. Since the business must win your trust in order to successfully defraud you, the caller will generally appear friendly, confident and convincing.
You can take the following steps to prevent this from happening to you:
Be wary of those calling with an exciting promotion or investment opportunity.
Do not send money in order to win a prize or to upgrade a prize.
Do not make a low cost purchase in order to claim a prize.
Always check out the product and the company before purchasing or investing.
Do not disclose bank account or credit card information to callers whose identity can not be verified.
If you become suspicious, don't hesitate to hang up.
To lodge a complaint or to obtain more information about telemarketing fraud, contact Project Phonebusters at 705-495-8501. Project Phonebusters includes representation by the:
Ontario Provincial Police OPP Insignia and the Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceMounty on Horse.
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Web site last updated November 17, 2000 - all rights reserved.