March
23, 2007 -- The
Competition Bureau intervenes in the latest attempt to defraud
Canadian businesses. The new scam involves business
directory solicitations sent to Canadian companies using
the federal government's corporate signature and the name
“Canadian Companies Directory for Industry, Commerce and
Trade”. As part of Fraud Prevention Month, the Competition
Bureau is warning businesses, government and organizations
to be wary of this directory scam.
The
use of the federal government's corporate signature - which
is strictly reserved for the Government of Canada - and
the similarity to the former name of the Department of Industry
- Industry, Trade and Commerce - has led many businesses
to believe that receiving this solicitation is in association
with the Canadian government.
Neither
Industry Canada nor any other government department has
anything to do with this solicitation, which is apparently
being conducted out of Switzerland. Authorities there
are aware of this scam.
Based
on information gathered to date, recipients have received
invoices in the amount of $749.00 for a directory that they
supposedly ordered. In addition, it appears that
Canadian Companies Directory for Industry, Commerce and
Trade is not located at the address shown on the document.
The
use of the corporate signature is reserved for Government
of Canada business activities.
Neither
Industry Canada nor any other government department produces
or markets a directory of Canadian businesses.
Tips
for business to protect themselves:
Anyone
receiving this type of solicitation is invited to send their
complaints to the Competition Bureau; these will be forwarded
to the Swiss authorities.
The
Competition Bureau chairs the Fraud Prevention Forum, which
is a concerned group of private sector firms, consumer and
volunteer groups, government agencies and law enforcement
organizations committed to fighting fraud aimed at consumers
and businesses. Through its partners, the Forum works to
prevent Canadians from becoming victims of fraud by educating
them on how to recognize it, report it and stop it.
For
more information on the Forum or Fraud Prevention Month,
visit: www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud
.
Sample
of business directory solicitation
For
media enquiries, please contact:
Maureen
McGrath
Competition
Bureau
819-953-8982;
613-296-2187 (cell.)
For
general enquiries, please contact:
Information
Centre
Competition
Bureau
819-997-4282;
1-800-348-5358 
