Who Can You Trust Online? Competition Bureau Collaborates on International Internet Sweep

OTTAWA, September 28, 2007 — The Competition Bureau announced today that it participated in a joint Internet sweep with members of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) to expose Web sites that make deceptive health claims for products and services. This action is part of the Bureau’s priority to target various health fraud scams due to the serious harm they can cause for Canadians and legitimate businesses.

“The Bureau is working with its international partners to combat online deceptive scams in a timely and effective manner,” said Sheridan Scott, Commissioner of Competition. “The goal of this coordinated effort is to stop these fraud artists from duping more Canadians.”

Over the past week, thousands of Web sites and emails were examined by agencies from over 20 countries. Through ICPEN’s coordinated enforcement action, participating agencies searched the Internet to identify potentially deceptive sites, helping to ensure that scam artists do not undermine the credibility of legitimate online retailers.

Following the conclusion of the sweep, the findings will be analysed and follow-up enforcement action will be taken by the Bureau, if necessary.

Consumers that shop online need to take extra precautions when they are unable to verify the truth of the claims on the spot. They are advised to:

• remember that trademarks, logos, guarantees, testimonials, and contact information can be easily falsified on a Web site - a little research goes a long way;
• verify the contact information by calling the vendor and requesting information on the business and services offered;
• scrutinize unrealistic product descriptions or cheap bargain claims. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is;
• examine the testimonials placed on the Web sites and check against the claims made by the vendors;
• avoid money transfers and direct debit, which are some of the scam artists’ favourite tools;
• Refrain from disclosing personal and banking information through emails; and
• pay using a secure Web site or payment service.

The Bureau urges consumers who suspect they have been the victim of deceptive Web sites or emails to contact PhoneBusters, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre, at 1-888-495-8501.

The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) is a network of governmental organisations involved in the enforcement of fair trading laws and other consumer protection activities. For more information about ICPEN, go to www.icpen.org.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency. We contribute to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Pamela Wong
Communications Advisor
External Relations and Public Affairs Branch
819-953-7734

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
1-800-348-5358
TDD (hearing impaired): 1-800-642-3844
compbureau@cb-bc.gc.ca