Use of the telephone for the sale of a wide range of services or products can be an effective, legitimate marketing tool for any number of Canadian businesses. However, the legitimacy of well-known companies has provided an excellent opportunity for criminals.
Criminals use the same techniques as legitimate companies, but hide behind the anonymity of the telephone and attempt to defraud thousands and thousands of Canadians each year. Telephone fraud is an international problem that does not respect borders, making it difficult for police to investigate.
The following are some simple tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud:
- DO NOT believe that everyone calling with an exciting promotion or investment opportunity is trustworthy, especially if you do not know the caller or their company.
- DO NOT invest or purchase a product or service without carefully checking out the investment, product, service, and the company.
- DO NOT be afraid to request further documentation from the caller so you can verify the validity of the company.
- DO NOT disclose information about your finances, bank accounts or credit cards ( not even the credit card expiry date).
- DO NOT be afraid to hang-up the phone.
- DO contact Project Phonebusters (1-888-495-8501) if you are contacted by someone who promises you great prizes, but requires you to send money in advance.
For more information on telemarketing fraud visit
www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams-fraudes/tf-ft-eng.htm.
To check to see if a telemarketing company is licensed in British Columbia visit www.bpcpa.ca