Government Services
December 16, 2008

Consumers Should Be Concerned About Fraudulent Phone Calls

Scam artists have various ways of trying to fraudulently obtain consumers� personal information, such as credit card numbers, and consumers need to protect themselves and recognize these scams for what they are.

The Consumer and Commercial Affairs Branch of the Department of Government Services is warning of a possible scam which involves a caller claiming to be from the policyholder�s insurance company and demanding immediate payment, by credit card, of an outstanding amount on the client�s premium. The caller threatens to cancel the policy if payment is not received immediately by credit card.

"It is very important for everyone to know that you should never give out personal information or financial information to a person or company calling, e-mailing or mailing you," said the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Government Services. "If you suspect the phone call is suspicious in nature, do not hesitate to end the call immediately and call your insurance company to confirm that the call was not legitimate."

Anyone receiving a suspicious phone call regarding their insurance policy should call the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or call the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-877-IBC-TIPS.

In addition, anyone who has been targeted by a scam should call PhoneBusters at 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website at www.phonebusters.com for more information.

The Consumer and Commercial Affairs Branch provides consumer protection through three divisions including the Financial Services Regulation division which regulates the insurance industry.

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Government Services
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca

2008 12 16                                                    9:45 a.m.
 


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