Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Consumer Alert from FCA Canada - Be aware of the information you share

OTTAWA, April 17, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has issued a Consumer Alert warning consumers to be very careful about giving out their personal and financial information over the telephone or online.

Scams designed to trick consumers into revealing their personal and financial information can be very sophisticated.

A current scam helps fraudsters get key missing details from unsuspecting consumers who think they are talking to a representative from their financial institution or credit card company.

Consumers can find ways to protect themselves from this scam, and tips on how to protect themselves against fraud, in the Fraud section of FCAC's website.

FCAC has also posted two Tip Clips on its YouTube channel to help consumers protect themselves against financial fraud.

About FCAC

With educational materials and interactive tools, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) provides objective information about financial products and services to help Canadians increase their financial knowledge and confidence in managing their personal finances. FCAC informs consumers about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with banks and federally regulated trust, loan and insurance companies. FCAC also makes sure that federally regulated financial institutions, payment card network operators and external complaints bodies comply with legislation and industry commitments intended to protect consumers.

You can reach them through the FCAC Consumer Services Centre by calling toll-free 1-866-461-3222 (TTY: 613-947-7771 or 1-866-914-6097) or by visiting their website: itpaystoknow.gc.ca.