Alerts contain useful information for Canadian consumers and businesses to help them recognize, reject and report deceptive marketing practices, misleading advertising and scams.
| Date | Alert Title | Category | Hidden Search Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-03-01 March 1, 2023 | Quick easy money? Sometimes it’s a quick easy LIE | Consumer | cryptocurrency, fraud, investment, scam, digital finance |
| 2022-08-11 August 11, 2022 | Snow removal businesses: Winter is coming | Business | snow removal, competition, businesses |
| 2022-03-02 March 2, 2022 | Five-star fake out | Consumer | consumers, consumer reviews, online reviews, businesses |
| 2022-01-26 January 26, 2022 | Be on the lookout for greenwashing | Consumer | enviro-friendly, greenwashing, environmental impact, false, misleading, environmental claims |
| 2021-03-15 March 15, 2021 | Taking care of business | Business | Phishing scam, Intellectual Property renewal scam, Tech Support Scam, Fake CEO scam |
| 2021-03-01 March 1, 2021 | Non-delivery scams: When nothing comes to those who wait | Consumer | third-party, online, shopping |
| 2020-03-11 March 11, 2020 | Subscription traps: "no-strings attached" trial offers could leave you with your hands tied | Consumer | third-party, online, shopping |
| 2019-11-29 November 29, 2019 | Check Out the Seller Before You Checkout | Consumer | third-party, online, shopping |
| 2019-08-29 August 29, 2019 | Government websites: spot the legitimate among the fakes | Consumer | internet, government, services |
| 2019-07-02 July 2, 2019 | Customer Loyalty Programs: What is your brand loyalty worth? | Consumer | rewards, loyalty, privacy |
| 2019-05-16 May 16, 2019 | Telecom service agreements: that "forever price" may only be a "for now price" | Consumer | promotion, providers, commitment |
| 2019-02-27 February 27, 2019 | Don't be bamboozled: the real deal with "bamboo fabric" | Consumer | greenwashing, rayon, processing |
| 2019-02-14 February 14, 2019 | Online dating – know what you’re signing up for | Consumer | ficticious, free, privacy |
| 2018-12-11 December 11, 2018 | Be smart with smart toys – know when to pull the plug | Consumer | interactive, security, privacy |
| 2018-11-21 November 21, 2018 | Bargain hunting season could turn into a wild goose chase | Consumer | online, shopping, cancelled discounts |
| 2018-10-29 October 29, 2018 | Tales from the Cryptocurrency Investment Ghouls, Goblins and Ghosts | Consumer | bitcoin, pyramid scheme, fraud |
| 2018-09-04 September 4, 2018 | Happy International Day of Charity: give with confidence | Consumer | donor, funds, legitimate |
| 2018-08-16 August 16, 2018 | Rental scam: no room for error | Consumer | housing, deposit, agreement |
| 2018-07-09 July 9, 2018 | Leather furniture… True or faux? | Consumer | synthetic, material, durability |
| 2018-07-09 July 9, 2018 | Cheat sheet: types of “leather” in furniture | Consumer | faux, imitation, genuine |
| 2018-06-27 June 27, 2018 | Becoming your own boss: yes, but not at any cost | Consumer | pyramid, fees, compensation |
| 2018-05-24 May 24, 2018 | Pop-up surveys can be a) scams b) traps c) costly? | Consumer | subscription, trap, free |
| 2018-03-19 March 19, 2018 | A special prize just for you? Don’t be fooled into believing you are a sweepstakes winner | Consumer | processing, fee, fraudulent |
| 2018-02-15 February 15, 2018 | Debt relief promises: Tips for choosing a debt relief service that keeps its word | Consumer | creditors, repayment, credit |
| 2018-01-15 January 15, 2018 | Experiencing the post-holiday weight blues? Be careful! Many diets or fat-burning products may only lighten your wallet | Consumer | diet, device, ads |
| 2017-12-15 December 15, 2017 | Fill your library, not their wallets | Consumer | gift cards, extortion, iTunes |
| 2017-11-07 November 7, 2017 | Seven questions you should ask before buying new appliances | Consumer | warranties, restrictive, repairs |
| 2017-10-31 October 31, 2017 | Unexpected letters from a psychic: all signs point to fraud | Consumer | elderly, fraud, mail |
| 2017-09-20 September 20, 2017 | Free trial that turns out to be a monthly subscription: it’s a trap | Consumer | shipping, pop-up, survey |
| 2017-08-01 August 1, 2017 | The next time you move, dodge the “rogue movers” who take your belongings hostage | Consumer | classified, extra, fees |
| 2017-07-26 July 26, 2017 | Summer is still in full swing, but winter is just a season away | Consumer | snow, removal, contractor |
| 2017-07-13 July 13, 2017 | Mind the “$”: Is that price in Canadian or American dollars? | Consumer | currency, online, shopping |
| 2017-05-12 May 12, 2017 | Hang up on tech experts claiming your computer has a virus. It’s a scam. | Consumer | expert, software, fraud |
| 2017-05-10 May 10, 2017 | Avoid the wrong kind of surprise this Mother’s Day | Consumer | flowers, online, shopping |
| 2017-03-31 March 31, 2017 | Fraud Prevention is a Year-round Affair | Consumer | scams, report, knowledge |
| 2017-03-28 March 28, 2017 | You can help by reporting fraud — be a scam-buster! | Consumer | report, fraud, online |
| 2017-03-14 March 14, 2017 | Don’t invest in fraud: know how to spot investment scams | Consumer | risk, insider, securities |
| 2017-02-10 February 10, 2017 | Know the Price of Love | Consumer | deceptive, tactics, online |
| 2016-12-08 December 8, 2016 | Traveling for the Holidays? Don’t get wrapped up in surprise fees | Consumer | surprise, hidden, fees |
| 2016-11-21 November 21, 2016 | Purchase of merchandise scams | Consumer | online, fraud, auction |
| 2016-08-08 August 8, 2016 | Foul play: sports streaming packages’ fine print can hide true terms and conditions | Consumer | availability, games, disclaimer |
| 2016-07-18 July 18, 2016 | Competition Bureau warns consumers about deceptive door-to-door sales of water heaters and HVAC systems | Consumer | doortodoor, upgrades, misrepresent |
| 2016-05-10 May 10, 2016 | Fort McMurray fires: Beware of fake charities and donation scams | Consumer | legitimate, fraud, online |
| 2016-05-03 May 3, 2016 | Don’t Flip for "Free" Real Estate Investment Seminars | Consumer | training, flipping, profit |
| 2016-04-18 April 18, 2016 | Home buyers surprised at high fees to exit water heater rental contracts | Consumer | exit, fees, cost |
| 2016-04-01 April 1, 2016 | Don’t Be Fooled! Fraud Prevention is a Year round Affair | Consumer | tools, information, scams |
| 2016-03-31 March 31, 2016 | Beware the Green Gremlin of Investment Fraud | Consumer | securities, scams, fraud |
| 2016-03-30 March 30, 2016 | Scammers reaching new lows as they focus their efforts on defrauding immigrants and refugees | Consumer | deportation, settlement, sponsorship |
| 2016-03-29 March 29, 2016 | Tips for consumers: recognize, reject, report fraud | Consumer | identity, text, passwords |
| 2016-03-18 March 18, 2016 | Don’t Trust Companies That Promise Government Grants and Loans | Consumer | fee, funding, access |
| 2016-03-08 March 8, 2016 | Free Trial Scams: Too Good To Be True! | Consumer | subscription, traps, trial |
| 2019-11-26 November 26, 2019 | Scam alert: Retailers targeted with fake product recalls | Business | prepaid credit cards, fax, scam |
| 2018-04-25 April 25, 2018 | Business directories: Double-check before writing a cheque | Business | invoice, online, advertising |
| 2018-04-17 April 17, 2018 | What you don't know about contracts could hurt your business | Business | clause, fees, term |
| 2017-06-21 June 21, 2017 | Show them who’s the boss—shut down the fake CEO scam | Business | email, transfer, executive |
| 2017-03-10 March 10, 2017 | Snow removal businesses: Avoid a flurry of problems, steer clear of illegal agreements | Business | agreements, competitors, territory |
| 2017-03-07 March 7, 2017 | Beware of emails and letters demanding payment to protect your intellectual property rights | Business | trademark, patent, brand |
| 2017-01-23 January 23, 2017 | It's not easy being green. Businesses must back up their words. | Business | environment, mislead, advertise |