March 28, 2007

OTTAWA -- The Competition Bureau is fighting an attempt to defraud Canadian businesses by charging them for a fake business directory.
 
 The new scam involves business directory solicitations sent to Canadian companies using the federal government's corporate signature and the name "Canadian Companies Directory for Industry, Commerce and Trade".

 As part of Fraud Prevention Month, the Competition Bureau is warning businesses, government and organizations to be wary of this directory scam.

The use of the federal government's corporate signature, which is strictly reserved for the Government of Canada, and the similarity to the former name of the Department of Industry -- Industry, Trade and Commerce -- has led many businesses to believe that this solicitation is from the federal government.

Neither Industry Canada nor any other government department has anything to do with this solicitation, which is apparently being conducted out of Switzerland. Authorities there are aware of this scam.

Recipients have received invoices for $749 for a directory that they supposedly ordered.

The use of the corporate signature is reserved for Government of Canada business activities. Neither Industry Canada nor any other government department produces or markets a directory of Canadian businesses.
 
Canadian Central is a member of the Fraud Prevention Forum, which is chaired by the Competition Bureau. It is a group of private sector firms, consumer and volunteer groups, government agencies and law enforcement organizations committed to fighting fraud aimed at consumers and businesses. Through its partners, the Forum works to prevent Canadians from becoming victims of fraud by educating them on how to recognize it, report it and stop it.

For more information on the Forum or Fraud Prevention Month, visit:

www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud.