Small Business Fraud: What to Do

With a tagline FRAUD: RECOGNIZE IT. REPORT IT. STOP IT., March is Fraud Prevention Month. Announced on March 19, 2008, the Canadian Government’s Competition Bureau prepared a campaign called FACT: Fraud Awareness for Commercial Targets. This educational website for businesses and not-for-profit organizations includes tools and information on everything from scam techniques and training your staff to spot fraud to building an anti-fraud plan and reporting a possible scam. Here’s the news release. Other fraud prevention events and announcements may be found at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre can be reached at:
www.antifraudcentre.ca OR
1-888-495-8501

The Bank of Canada includes a section of their website dedicated to fighting fraud for retailers. Called “Fighting Fraud on the Front Lines: A Retailer’s Guide”, there are downloadable fact sheets on identity fraud, payment card fraud, bank note counterfeiting, cheque and money order fraud. There is also an order form available for a dvd with video clips and tips on protecting yourself from fraudulent scams.

Other sites you might like to visit on this topic include:

Better Business Bureau (Canada)
Better Business Bureau (United States)
Consumers Council of Canada
Canadian Intellectual Property Office