Fraud is lying or misleading someone to gain something (usually money) or to make someone else lose something (usually money). Scams and fraud can affect anyone. However, fraudsters often target older adults.
A few tips:
- Be wary of door to door sales. Research companies before hiring someone to do work for you. You can ask trusted friends and family for recommendations based on their positive experiences. Get several estimates to compare prices. And look into each company’s licensing with Service Alberta and their reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Read more about the rules for door to door sales on CPLEA’s info sheet.
- Be wary of telemarketers. Under Canadian law, telemarketers must say at the beginning of the call why they are calling, the name of the person or company they are representing, and the type of product being promoted. Some scams ask you to buy gift cards, pay gift fees or wire money. Others pretend to be government agencies, banks or phone or internet providers and ask for your personal information (such as a SIN or credit card) to later access your accounts. Be vigilant and ask questions.
Below are links to more resources about fraud so that you can prevent fraud and scams from affecting you or your loved ones.
Legal Information from CPLEA
- Consumer Law FAQs
- Contracts and Consumer Information FAQs
- Money, Debt and Fraud resources and links (LawCentral Alberta).
- Bankruptcy Basics info sheet
- Being a Guarantor info sheet
- Collection Agencies info sheet
- Door to Door Sales info sheet
- Foreclosure in Alberta info sheet
- Got Debt Problems? info sheet
- Mobile Phone Contracts info sheet
- Payday Loans … What You Should Know info sheet
Government of Canada
The Canada Revenue Agency provides information on how to protect yourself against fraud.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is a Canadian agency that collects information and criminal intelligence about telemarketing fraud, advance fee fraud, Internet fraud and identification theft complaints. Its website provides information on recent frauds and how to protect yourself.
Government of Alberta
Service Alberta investigates consumer complaints, enforces consumer protection laws, regulates business and charitable organizations, and informs consumers and businesses of their rights and responsibilities.
Service Alberta has also published a document called Welcome to Alberta: A Consumer’s Guide for Newcomers. This document has information on Alberta’s consumer protection laws and more.
