New scams are being invented daily. Scam artists are up-to-date and well organized. They use the latest trends and sophisticated techniques.

Everyone is a potential fraud victim, but there are precautions you can take to prevent becoming one.

• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know.

• Get a copy of your credit report once a year.

• Shred documents containing any personal or financial information, including your name and address on envelopes.

• Be wary of high pressure sales tactics, and especially those urging you to make a deal now or the opportunity will be gone forever.

It is necessary for consumers to report all scam/fraud attempts to phonebusters toll free number 1-888-495-8501.

If you or someone you know believes they have mistakenly given information to a scam artist, contact your local police.

Calendar of Events
Government and key private sector businesses work together raising awareness among consumers and businesses about the dangers of fraud by educating them on how to Recognize it, Report it, and Stop it. http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/calendar

Fraud Quiz
In today's tough economic times, fraudsters are as aggressive as ever in their attempts to defraud innocent victims of their hard earned cash. Take the quiz and increase your knowledge of how fraudsters work so you can avoid falling victim to their scams.
http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraudquiz

Tips to Protect Yourself from Fraud
Fraud by telephone, mail and Internet is a serious international problem. It steals your money, your identity and even your self-respect. You can protect yourself by learning to recognize the signs.
http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraudtips

Victim Stories
In 2008, the Competition Bureau received over 15,000 complaints regarding mass marketing fraud, which is fraud by mail, telephone and Internet. Here are some examples of the kinds of complaints received by the Bureau. Certain details have been changed to protect the identities of the victims.
http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/letters

Check your Consumer Report. Get a copy of your credit report once a year.
http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/consumer/consumer_report.asp

There are many web-sites consumers can visit to get information on Fraud Prevention here are few:
http://www.phonebusters.com/
http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/consumer/pdf/Identity-Theft.pdf
http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cmc-cmc.nsf/eng/h_fe00000.html (Consumer Measures Committee)