OTTAWA, March 1, 2006 -- Law enforcement agencies from Canada and the United States joined forces today, in Ottawa, to officially launch Fraud Prevention Month and explain how partnerships are key in fighting the global scourge of fraud.
"Fraud is a serious problem that undermines consumer confidence and drains billions from legitimate markets around the world. It cannot be solved by law enforcement alone," said Sheridan Scott, Commissioner of Competition. "As Chair of the Fraud Prevention Forum, we work closely with partners in law enforcement, consumer and volunteer groups, government and the private sector to fight fraud aimed at consumers and businesses."
During the month of March, Fraud Prevention Forum (FPF) members will raise awareness of the dangers of fraud, while educating the public on how to "Recognize it, Report it and Stop it." Millions of printed fraud prevention material will be distributed and public service announcements will air across the country, in English and French.
"The concept of crime prevention is to prevent victimization. By educating and involving the community in crime prevention initiatives, it is anticipated that we will see a reduction in crime," said Detective Superintendent Bob Goodall, OPP Anti-Rackets Section. "It is essential that law enforcement, the private sector and consumers work together to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible and to prevent future occurrences."
The FPF's reach is international. This month, over 24 countries who form the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network have committed to raising public awareness worldwide, with their own Fraud Prevention Month campaigns.
"Law enforcement agencies are very concerned about financial crime and we are working diligently with our domestic and international partners to combat this transnational problem," said Wayne Watson, Chief Superintendent, RCMP.
"People operating frauds are increasingly using international borders to try to escape the consequences of their actions," said C. Steven Baker, Director of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's Midwest Region. "The U.S. and Canada are leading the world in showing that we can work together and protect consumers on both sides of the border."
To report incidence of fraud or to learn more about how to protect themselves from fraud, Canadians can call PhoneBusters, the national anti-fraud call centre, at 1-888-495-8501.
Canadians can also report fraud on-line through Reporting Economic Crime Online (RECOL) at www.recol.ca. RECOL is an RCMP initiative that involves an integrated partnership between international, federal and provincial law enforcement agencies and the private sector. In addition, citizens are encouraged to contact their local police.
For a complete list of FPF partners, please visit www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Maureen McGrath
Communications Advisor
Competition Bureau
(819) 953-8982, or (613) 296-2187 (cell)
For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
(819) 997-4282
1-800-348-5358
