Fraud Alert!
Fees and Clearance Certificates
It has come to our attention that criminal networks are using
FINTRAC’s name to attempt to collect fees. This type of fraud is often
part of a large advance fee scam. In order to better inform the public
of the risks posed by this type of fraud, FINTRAC would like to clarify
the following points:
- Fintrac DOES NOT charge fees of any kind.
There have been requests to pay fees to release funds that have been
frozen by FINTRAC, or the issuance of clearance certificates. Such
requests should be treated with caution. FINTRAC DOES NOT
charge fees. FINTRAC DOES NOT freeze or seize funds.
- FINTRAC DOES NOT issue clearance certificates for any
reason.
The Canadian Government DOES NOT issue clearance
certificates for the purpose of clearing funds under the Proceeds
of Crime Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act. There is
no government agency in Canada that issues such certificates for the
purpose of clearing financial transactions for anti-money laundering
and anti-terrorist financing.
If you suspect that you are the subject of this type of fraud, please
contact your local police. As well, please consult the websites below
for more information on other types of fraudulent schemes currently in
use.
The
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI)
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada
(OSFI), has issued a warning concerning FINTRANA, or the Financial
Transactions Reporting Agency of North America. This group should
not be confused with FINTRAC. Click here
to read this warning notice.
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PhoneBusters
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Established
in January of 1993, PhoneBusters is the national deceptive
telemarketing call centre, operated by the Ontario Provincial
Police. We play a key role in educating the public about specific
fraudulent telemarketing pitches. We also play a vital role in the
collection and dissemination of victim evidence, documentation,
statistics and tape recordings to outside investigations.
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The
Competition Bureau
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The Competition Bureau is responsible for
administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer
Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act
and the Precious Metals Marking Act. Its role is to promote
and maintain fair competition so that Canadians can benefit from
lower prices, product choice and quality services. The Bureau's
operating principles can be summarized in five
words: Confidentiality, Fairness, Predictability, Timeliness
and Transparency. |
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