Health Canada advises to report phone fraud

Advisory
2005-37
May 6, 2005
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Health Canada has received numerous complaints from Quebec and Manitoba residents regarding telemarketing companies that claim to be conducting a Health Canada survey on tobacco use or other health-related matters.

According to the complaints, following the survey, a cheque is sent to the participant for taking part. The participant is asked to deposit the cheque and then issue a return cheque making them eligible for a bigger monetary award or prize (often a trip).

Please be advised that Health Canada is not conducting and has not authorized any survey on tobacco-use where the participant would be required to send money or be eligible for a prize.

If you receive this type of call, we recommend you not follow the surveyer's request and file a complaint by calling your local police station; or by contacting PhoneBusters at 1 888 495-8501 or online at http://www.phonebusters.com or by calling Royal Canadian Mounted Police at (514) 939-8304.

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Media Inquiries:
Paul Duchesne
Health Canada
954-4807

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991