WINNIPEG, March 8, 2006 -- Law enforcement in Manitoba has teamed up again this year to highlight the most common types of fraud targeting consumers throughout the province. The Competition Bureau, the RCMP "D" Division, the Winnipeg Police Service and the Manitoba Consumers' Bureau have compiled a Top 10 List of Scams in an effort to help Manitobans recognize, report and stop fraud:
Deceptive Prize Notices / 900 Scams Cheque Overpayment
Employment OpportunitiesFalse charities
Pyramid SchemesOffice Supplies / Directories
Identity TheftPhishing
Advance Fee (West African / Loans)Recovery Pitch
March has been designated Fraud Prevention Month by the Fraud Prevention Forum (FPF). The FPF, which is chaired by the Competition Bureau, is a concerned group of 75 private sector firms, consumer and volunteer groups, government agencies and law enforcement organizations, who are committed to fighting fraud aimed at consumers and businesses.
The best way to avoid becoming a victim of fraud is through education and awareness:
Shred any unwanted personal documents.
Don't provide confidential information over the phone, such as credit card or bank account numbers.
Never send money to collect a prize. If it's really a prize, it should be free.
Make sure you read and understand the "fine print".
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Other initiatives for Manitobans to watch out for during Fraud Prevention Month:
Brown Bag Lunch Safety Seminar at the Millennium Library in Winnipeg on March 15 featuring law enforcement officials who will educate the public on how to recognize, report and stop fraud;
Winnipeg is one of 19 cities across Canada participating in the first ever National Community Shredding Event on March 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Winnipeg Police Service District 6 Police Station;
Manitoba Consumers' Bureau will launch an ID theft Web site later this month.
To learn more about the Fraud Prevention Forum, including the complete list of FPF partners, visit www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud.
For more information, please contact:
Competition Bureau
Maureen McGrath
Communications Advisor
819-953-8982 / 613-296-2187 (cell)
Winnipeg Police Service
Cst. Robert Carver
Crime Prevention Unit
204-986-3481
Manitoba Finance, Consumers' Bureau
Nadine Delisle
Communications Coordinator
Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism
204-945-3810
RCMP, "D" Division
Cst. P.L. (Phil) Carver
Winnipeg Commercial Crimes Section
204-983-2000
