The Canadian Competition Bureau has warned retailers that fraudsters are sending faxes to stores indicating that the Bureau has issued a product recall order on a number of products, including prepaid credit cards.
Faxes state that someone from the company will pick them up in person. This is a scam.
The Bureau advises anyone who receives such communications to:
- Avoid responding; and
- Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center
Reporting scams, provides law enforcement with the information they need to stop fraudsters and help prevent others from becoming victims.
If you receive information from the Government of Canada that seems suspicious, you can always contact the department or agency concerned to verify the information received, or contact 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).
Quick Facts
- The Competition Bureau does not issue product recalls.
- The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre estimates that less than five per cent of all fraud victims report their experiences to law enforcement agencies.
- Fraudulent or suspicious activity can be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, through its website, or by telephone at 1-888-495-8501.
- Suspected cases of misleading or deceptive marketing can be reported to the Competition Bureau using the online complaint form or by telephone at 1-800-348-5358.
- Victims of fraud should also inform their local police force.