Consumer Tips

Online Fraud

With the growing popularity of online business, it is becoming easier for fraud artists to take your money. Auction ripoffs, investment scams, SPAM (unsolicited e-mails) and shady business deals are all popular methods used by scam artists.

Here are some tips that can help you avoid being a victim.

• Don't buy anything you hear about through SPAM.
• Only buy from reputable auction sites and sellers with good references.
• Don't do business with anonymous users, there is likely a reason they don't want you to know who they are.
• Save copies of all documents involved in the deal.
• Know the site's privacy policy and security features.
• Know the delivery date of the product or service.

To report online fraud, get in touch with PhoneBusters at 1-888-495-8501. PhoneBusters is the national anti-fraud call centre operated by the Ontario Provincial Police in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and supported by industry and government partners.

You can also learn about consumer scams and find advice on how to deal with them on the RCMP Web site.