Fraud: Recognize it! Report it! Stop it!

Without a doubt, prevention is the key to stopping fraud. The value of awareness in this objective is substantial and can be achieved through informing and educating the public on the dangers of fraud; encouraging reporting of incidences of fraud; and making Canada a hostile environment for perpetrators of fraud.

In 2005, CARP joined the Competition Bureau and over forty other public, private, consumer and volunteer organizations to reach out to Canadians where they live, work, play and shop to raise awareness about fraud. The Fraud Prevention Forum, chaired by the Competition Bureau, declared February Fraud Awareness Month launching the largest campaign of its type in Canada. The mandate is to prevent fraud through awareness and education, and increased reporting.

The campaign slogan, Fraud: Recognize It, Report It, Stop It appeared in over 35 million bill inserts, radio and television public service announcements, posters and fliers, newspaper ads, and web banners. Internationally, seventeen countries participated in the campaign through their local enforcement bodies.