Looking for a (perhaps slightly dark) entertaining read about popular scams? On November 1st the Canadian Competition Bureau updated its Little Black Book of Scams.
This apparently very popular Bureau publication, first adopted by the Bureau from the Australian ACCC’s similar publication, includes discussions of current and popular Internet, telemarketing and direct mail frauds and scams including phony contests, deceptive prize notices, pyramid selling schemes, mobile phone scams, romance scams and more.
Fraud and scams, it seems, keep on rolling along, with many tried and true formulas (fraudulent business directory and deceptive prize notice scams for instance) still evidently working and effective in duping businesses and consumers.
All dark humor aside, this Bureau resource is really quite good and helps businesses and consumers determine the line between legitimate promotions and marketing that may violate the civil or criminal provisions of the Competition Act, Criminal Code or other legislation.
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My Canadian advertising/marketing law services include advice in relation to: anti-spam legislation (CASL); Competition Bureau complaints; the general misleading advertising provisions of the federal Competition Act; Internet, new media and social media advertising and marketing; promotional contests (sweepstakes); and sales and promotions. I also provide advice relating to specific types of advertising issues, including performance claims, testimonials, disclaimers, drip pricing, astroturfing and native advertising.
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