Prevent fraud in your business
Every day businesses are offered products and services they didn't directly request. How do you determine a great opportunity versus a fraudulent offer?
Some people expect fraudsters to be shifty, uneducated, creepy or use high pressure tactics. However, they can be friendly, polite and professional. That's why you and your staff must be prepared.
Here are tips from the Competition Bureau to avoid being a victim.
- Closely examine ads or offers and ask questions.
- Ask for information about the business address, product line and customer references
- Hang up if you feel that this is not a legitimate company or offer
- Don't judge reliability by look or feel
- Ask for a copy of the offer in writing
- Make it your policy not to agree to purchases over the phone
- Review all invoices and vendor lists each quarter
- Be wary of requests to update your information
- Assign a limited number of employees to make purchases
- Before paying, make sure that you get what you ordered
- Talk to your staff and colleagues about fraud
- Start a reward program for employees who prevent or uncover losses
- Ensure your firewall, anti-virus and anti-spam software is up-to-date
If you think you may have been the victim of fraud:
- Notify the police or RCMP in your area.
- Notify "PhoneBusters", Canada's Anti-Fraud Centre via email at info@antifraundcentre.ca. You can also do so by calling 1-888-495-8501 or by fax at 1-888-654-9426.
- Consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau in your area.
If you'd like to keep CFIB apprised of your situation, contact us at 1-888-234-2232. But remember, not every offer is fraudulent. Some may contain interesting business opportunities for your business.
For more information:
Competition Bureau's Fraud Awareness Campaign
Canada's Anti-Fraud Centre
