Competition Bureau Shines Light on Top Two Scams for "2 Good 2 B True Day"

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 11, 2014) - Competition Bureau

On the second annual "2 Good 2 B True Day", the Competition Bureau and its Fraud Prevention Forum partners are warning consumers and businesses about the Top Two #2G2BT schemes: Internet and Social Media Scams.

The Bureau (@CompBureau) is hosting a Twitter chat between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. EDT today to engage with Canadians about the dangers of fraud. Canadians are encouraged to join the conversation by using the #2G2BT hashtag to ask questions about scams and share their own experiences with fraud. The Bureau and its partners will also use the hashtag throughout the day to share information on how to recognize fraud, report it and stop it.

Internet Scams: Scammers are using the Internet in increasingly sophisticated ways to defraud Canadians of their money and personal information through malicious software, fake websites and online offers or job opportunities that are simply too good to be true.

Social Media Scams: Users of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest may be exposed to scams from "friends" or "followers" whose social media accounts are designed exclusively to promote fraudulent products. Scams promoted through social media may seem more credible because they appear in the same place as content created by a consumer's friends and family. Social media users may inadvertently promote these scams by liking, tweeting or pinning information about these products. Unfortunately, these offers are often too good to be true.

Want to learn how to protect yourself online? The Bureau has developed a number of educational fraud videos, including one that offers tips on how to recognize Internet scams. Watch it now!

More information on how these #2G2BT scams work and how to report them is available on the Bureau's website.

Quick Facts

• March 2014 marks the tenth anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month, and together with its Fraud Prevention Forum partners, the Competition Bureau is helping Canadians recognize fraud, report it and stop it.
• To report instances of fraud, Canadian consumers and businesses can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through its website at www.antifraudcentre.ca, or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
• To report cases of unacceptable business practices, such as misleading representations and deceptive marketing, the Competition Bureau can be reached online at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca, or by calling 1-800-348-5358.

Quote

"Scammers are finding increasingly devious and sophisticated ways to defraud Canadians through the Internet and on social media. By reporting their experiences to the proper authorities, Canadians provide law enforcement officers with information on fraudulent activities that is vital to stopping those responsible."

John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition

Associated Links

• Visit the Fraud Prevention section of the Bureau's website for more information on fighting fraud

Follow us on Twitter: @CompBureau

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