Fraud Alert!
 

Fees and Clearance Certificates

It has come to our attention that criminal networks are using FINTRAC’s name to attempt to collect fees. This type of fraud is often part of a large advance fee scam. In order to better inform the public of the risks posed by this type of fraud, FINTRAC would like to clarify the following points:

• Fintrac DOES NOT charge fees of any kind.
  There have been requests to pay fees to release funds that have been frozen by FINTRAC, or the issuance of clearance certificates. Such requests should be treated with caution. FINTRAC DOES NOT charge fees. FINTRAC DOES NOT freeze or seize funds.
   
• FINTRAC DOES NOT issue clearance certificates for any reason.
  The Canadian Government DOES NOT issue clearance certificates for the purpose of clearing funds under the Proceeds of Crime Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act. There is no government agency in Canada that issues such certificates for the purpose of clearing financial transactions for anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing.

If you suspect that you are the subject of this type of fraud, please contact your local police. As well, please consult the Web sites below for more information on other types of fraudulent schemes currently in use.
 

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI), has issued a warning concerning FINTRANA, or the Financial Transactions Reporting Agency of North America. This group should not be confused with FINTRAC. Click here to read this warning notice.
PhoneBusters
	Established in January of 1993, PhoneBusters is the national deceptive telemarketing call centre, operated by the Ontario Provincial Police. We play a key role in educating the public about specific fraudulent telemarketing pitches. We also play a vital role in the collection and dissemination of victim evidence, documentation, statistics and tape recordings to outside investigations.
The Competition Bureau
	The Competition Bureau is responsible for administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. Its role is to promote and maintain fair competition so that Canadians can benefit from lower prices, product choice and quality services. The Bureau's operating principles can be summarized in five words: Confidentiality, Fairness, Predictability, Timeliness and Transparency.