TORONTO – Educated consumers are the best defence against frauds and scams, Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips said today at the launch of the ninth-annual Smart Consumer Calendar.
“An informed consumer is vital to fighting fraud, and our government has taken steps to help inform and protect consumers,” said Phillips. “Each year more than 65,000 consumers contact our ministry for advice and help, often involving scams and fraud. This calendar is one more tool we are using to arm consumers with the knowledge they need to protect themselves in the marketplace.”
The calendar provides tips and advice to help consumers avoid fraud and scams in areas ranging from identity theft, mortgage fraud and telemarketing fraud to phoney charities, home renovations and buying a vehicle or vehicle insurance. It also includes a comprehensive list of organizations consumers can contact if they have an issue or question related to a specific area of the marketplace.
Phillips launched the calendar at Toronto Police headquarters, accompanied by business partners who co-sponsored the product, as well as Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair and Mike Holmes, host of television’s Holmes on Homes.
“I always say it on my show – ‘Educate Yourself.’ A calendar that gives you tips on what to do to protect yourself is a smart idea,” said Holmes.
The calendar will be available in MPP offices and can also be downloaded at www.mgs.gov.on.ca.
“Education is your best defence against fraud. Learn to recognize it, report it and stop it,” said Detective Constable John Schultz of PhoneBusters, a partnership of the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. “We are pleased to once again sponsor this worthwhile initiative that helps consumers educate themselves before they act.”
The government has taken a number of steps to increase consumer protection in the province. In July 2005, the Consumer Protection Act came into effect, increasing jail terms and fines for individuals and businesses convicted of defrauding consumers through unfair business practices.
In October 2006, the government introduced the Consumer Protection and Service Modernization Act, which proposes important protection for Ontario’s families through strengthened consumer protection and modernized government practices and services.
Building on the Consumer Protection Act, one of the key items in the proposed legislation is protection against real estate fraud. It also proposes changes to the Consumer Reporting Act and the Liquor Licence Act.
For more information on consumer protection in Ontario, visit www.mgs.gov.on.ca or call the ministry’s Consumer Services Bureau at 416-326-8800 or 1-800-889-9768. Calendars are available across the province through ServiceOntario centres and local MPP offices or by calling 416-326-5300 or 1-800-668-9938. You can also download the Calendar.
Backgrounder: The Ministry of Government Services 2007 Smart Consumer Calendar
Contacts:
Paul de Zara
Minister’s Office
416-327-3072 - office
647-388-9671 - cell
Ciaran Ganley
Ministry of Government Services
416-325-8659
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