Business Directory Scammer Sentenced

Scammer in the slammer

One of four participants in a business directory scam targeting businesses and non-profit organizations in Canada and the United States was sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Quebec Provincial Court after pleading guilty to eight charges of misleading advertising and deceptive telemarketing under the Competition Act.

The scheme exacted payments from organizations deceived into believing they had previously ordered online business directory listings.

Businesses are encouraged to question the legitimacy of every inquiry for payment for directory services. For more tips on avoiding business fraud, visit the Competition Bureau’s website.