FCAC Activities for Fraud Prevention Month

Targeted News Service

OTTAWA, Ontario, Feb. 27 -- The government of Canada released the following news on behalf of Financial Consumer Agency of Canada:

March 1 marks the tenth anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month. With its theme, Fraud: Recognize it. Report it. Stop it, this year's campaign will focus on the importance of recognizing, preventing and reporting fraud. It pays to know that the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is joining the Competition Bureau and a number of other organizations to raise awareness about fraud and the growing presence of online scams.

- On March 11, FCAC will be participating in "2 Good 2 to B True Day". Canadians can join the conversation and share their fraud experiences on Twitter using the #2G2BT hashtag.

- Throughout the month, Canadians can also follow @FCACan on Twitter for FCAC's Tweet of the Day--a series of tips on how to protect against fraud.

- FCAC will also begin its advertising campaign on rights and responsibilities; this campaign includes tip clips on various financial topics, including fraud.

With educational materials and interactive tools, FCAC provides objective information about financial products and services to help Canadians increase their knowledge and confidence in managing their personal finances. FCAC informs consumers about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with banks and federally regulated trust, loan and insurance companies.

FCAC also makes sure that federally regulated financial institutions, payment card network operators and external complaints bodies comply with the legislation and industry commitments intended to protect consumers

Quick facts

- The Competition Bureau will host its launch event on February 28, during which the Better Business Bureau and partner organizations will name the Top Ten Scams of 2014.

- Activities organized by Fraud Prevention Forum Partners and registered in the Fraud Prevention Month Calendar of Events are scheduled to take place throughout March.

- The Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the Toronto Police Service and various other organizations involved in public outreach on fraud prevention will launch the month with an educational event on February 27, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Members of the public are invited to watch the event by livecast and follow the #DontBeScammed hashtag on Twitter for updates.

- The Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the Toronto Police Service's Financial Crime Unit also host #Fraudchat every Thursday, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. The topic-led discussions encourage people to exchange information, tips and personal experiences to help prevent financial crime.

Quote

"There are many different types of fraud and many techniques used to trap victims; this is why it's important for Canadians to learn how to spot the warning signs. This knowledge will help keep our identity and our money safe. As well, knowing how to report fraud to the proper authorities and sharing our experiences with friends and family will help to stop it."

Lucie Tedesco, FCAC Commissioner

Associated links

- FCAC's tips sheets about fraud http://www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/Eng/resources/publications/fraud/Pages/home-accueil.aspx

- FCAC's educational programs http://www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/Eng/resources/educationalPrograms/Pages/home-accueil.aspx

- Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Fraud Prevention Month http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/about/Pages/fraud-prevention-month.aspx

- Toronto Police Service's Financial Crime Unit http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/financialcrimes/protectyourself.php

- The Competition Bureau, fraud prevention resource http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/h_00122.html

- Fraud Prevention Forumhttp://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng%20/03110.html

- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/home.html

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