12.1 Consumer Information and Advice

Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services sets standards of conduct for businesses, promotes consumer rights, investigates questionable business practices, and registers vital statistics such as births, deaths, marriages and changes of name, land transfers and ownership, and personal property.

For general information about Ministry of Government and Consumer Services programs call:
Toll-free: 1-800-268-1142
Phone: 416-326-8555
TTY Toll-free: 1-800-268-7095
TTY: 416-325-3408
E-mail: InfoMGS@ontario.ca
Website: www.mgs.gov.on.ca

Canadian Consumer Information Gateway

With many departments or agencies involved in different aspects of consumer issues, finding the right information or the right contact can be a daunting task. The Canadian Consumer Information Gateway is a Website that provides access to provincial, federal and territorial consumer information.

Visit the Canadian Consumer Information Gateway at www.consumerinformation.ca

12.2 Consumer Protection

Consumer Services Bureau

The Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services mediates complaints relating to loan broker fraud, health club memberships, door-to-door sales, condominium law, motor vehicle repairs, collection agencies, consumer reporting issues, etc.

If you have a concern about the purchase of goods and/or services contact the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services:
Consumer Services Bureau
Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
5775 Yonge St., 15th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 2E7
Toll-free: 1-800-889-9768
Phone: 416-326-8800
TTY Toll-free: 1-800-268-7095
TTY: 416-325-3408
E-mail: InfoMGS@ontario.ca

Valuable consumer information and advice is also available on the ministry’s Website at www.mgs.gov.on.ca. Visit the “Services for Individuals” section.

Door-to-Door Consumer Legislation

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services has increased protection for consumers when they deal with door-to-door sellers. Changes include:

• a 10-day cooling off period for all sales worth $50 or more made at the consumer’s home, whether the goods delivered or services are provided at the time of sale or afterwards, and regardless of whether payment is made in full or in part
• consumers may cancel any direct sales contract if goods are not received or services are not provided within 30 days of the date promised
• all direct sales contracts must include a description of the item and price, the delivery date and charges, start and completion dates, and the buyer’s and seller’s names and addresses.

For more information, call the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, Consumer Services Bureau at:
Toll-free: 1-800-889-9768
Phone: 416-326-8800
TTY Toll-free: 1-800-268-7095
TTY: 416-325-3408
Website: www.mgs.gov.on.ca

You may also want to check out these other organizations that provide consumer education and protection services:

• Financial Services Commission of Ontario
• Ontario Securities Commission
• Travel Industry Council of Ontario.

12.3 Frauds and Scams

PhoneBusters/SeniorBusters

PhoneBusters is the Canadian national “deceptive telemarketing” call centre. The program emphasizes education and awareness for the prevention of national and international telemarketing fraud, sweepstakes scams, lottery scams, Internet fraud, identity theft and elder abuse. PhoneBusters is co-ordinated by the Ontario Provincial Police Anti-Rackets in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Economic Crime Branch.

SeniorBusters is a group of volunteers who work with PhoneBusters to provide telephone support and information to seniors who have become victims of this crime.

If you want to report a fraud, or if you need more information, contact PhoneBusters or SeniorBusters:
Toll-free: 1-888-495-8501
Fax Toll-free: 1-888-654-9426
E-mail: info@phonebusters.com
Website: www.phonebusters.com

Scotiabank Fraud Awareness Program: The ABCs of Fraud®

The ABCs of Fraud® is a national consumer fraud education, awareness and prevention program for people 55 or more. The program utilizes the skills and talents of volunteer speakers over the age of 55 who deliver interactive presentations to seniors’ and caregiver groups.
Volunteer Centre of Toronto
344 Bloor St. W., Ste. 404
Toronto ON M5S 3A7
Phone: 416-961-6888
Fax: 416-961-6859
E-mail: abcfraud@volunteertoronto.on.ca
Website: www.volunteertoronto.on.ca/aboutfraud

The Ontario Securities Commission

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) administers and enforces securities legislation in the Province of Ontario. Its mandate is to:

• protect investors from unfair improper and fraudulent practices
• foster fair and efficient capital markets
• maintain public and investor confidence in the integrity of those markets.

The OSC is partnering with the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat and the Volunteer Centre of Toronto to present a seminar series across Ontario on scams and frauds Protect Your Money: Schemes, Scams & Flimflams.

In addition, the OSC makes available in print and online a wide range of other investor resources to help you learn how to protect yourself against fraud:

• Investment Fraud Checklist
• Protecting Your Finances: How to Avoid Investment Frauds and Scams
• An Investor’s Guide to OSC Resources and Services.

Ontario Securities Commission
Toll-free: 1-877-785-1555
Phone: 416-593-8314
Website: www.osc.gov.on.ca

Small Investor Protection Association

The Small Investor Protection Association (SIPA) is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1999 with the objectives of improving public awareness of the investment industry, and educating individuals about recourse should they have a complaint. In addition to a newsletter for its members, SIPA provides Canadians with news, resources and links to investment industry information via its Website www.sipa.ca