Nebraska Consumer Protection News

'Fighting Fraud: It's a Family Matter'

WASHINGTON, DC - Canada and the United States have historically been strong allies and are the world's largest trading partners. The two countries have a lot in common as North American neighbors. They share similar cultures, enthusiasm for sports and a common border. The border is almost transparent to the citizens of the friendly countries. Unfortunately, the border provides no barrier to fraud schemes that traverse it, targeting victims in both countries. Armed with the Internet and cell phones, fraudsters target victims -- many of them older Americans and Canadians -- in these cross-border schemes. Using false names and electronic tricks, they hide who and where they really are.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has partnered with Canadian law enforcement to stop these crimes, but prevention is still the best medicine. During National Consumer Protection Week, February 5-11, Postal Inspectors and the Postal Service's Consumer Advocate are joining other federal, state and local consumer protection agencies to educate the public about cross-border fraud. This year's postal message is "Fighting Fraud: It's a Family Matter."

An increase in fraud complaints from U.S. victims responding to Canadian promotions prompted renewed attention from authorities in both countries, resulting in the establishment of six task forces spanning Canada from Vancouver to Halifax. "The expertise and resources that each agency brings to these initiatives have proven to be effective in identifying, combating and preventing cross-border mass marketing fraud," said Chief Postal Inspector Lee Heath. Since 1998 Postal Inspectors and their Canadian counterparts have shut down fraudulent "boiler rooms" and arrested operators in both countries. Those convicted of fraud have been ordered to pay millions of dollars in restitution to victims in each country.

"The crime of cross-border fraud can be reduced through public education, consumer awareness and vigorous law enforcement," said Bob Goodall, Detective Superintendent, Anti-Rackets Section, Ontario Provincial Police, representing PhoneBusters. Mass marketing fraud crimes are complicated by the multiple jurisdictions involved. "In Canada six regional partnerships have been formed with U.S. Postal Inspectors and the FTC to address the issue of criminals hiding behind our borders and state of the art technology, further stated Goodall.

But cross-border fraud can be a world of trouble for its victims. "Victims are often older citizens, who are particularly vulnerable due to fixed or limited incomes. Many have lost their life savings to unscrupulous telemarketers operating across international borders," said Chief Heath.

Contact a Nebraska Consumer Protection lawyer today and get a free consultation!

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