FCAC issues e-mail fraud warning about “phishing” e-mail sent to Canadian financial institutions that claims to be from FCAC.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has been notified by several Canadian financial institutions that have received a fraudulent “phishing” e-mail crafted to look like a message sent from the Agency.

These e-mails state that FCAC is investigating a complaint lodged against their organization, and direct recipients to click on a link in the e-mail to view the complaint. These e-mails DO NOT originate from FCAC. They are fraudulent (SPAM).

If you receive one of these messages:

	Delete the fraudulent e-mail immediately.
	Do NOT use the link provided in the e-mail or visit any Web site listed in the message as some of these sites contain harmful software.  Check for legitimate contact information yourself.
	Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES does FCAC contact financial intsitutions or consumers in this manner during its complaint-investigation process. FCAC’s established procedures DO NOT operate in this method and you will never be informed of such a complaint by e-mail. To contact FCAC or lodge a complaint with the Agency, visit the official Web site at www.fcac.gc.ca or call FCAC’s Consumer Contact Centre at 1- 866-461-FCAC (3222).
	As a general rule, always be cautious about any suspicious or alarming e-mails you receive. You can report fraudulent e-mails to Phonebusters, an anti-fraud call centre run by the Ontario Provincial Police and the RCMP. For information on fraud schemes, visit www.phonebusters.com, send an e-mail to info@phonebusters.com, or call 1- 888-495-8501 (toll free).