{March 2, 2006} VICTORIA – The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) is pleased to announce that it has become a partner in the Fraud Prevention Forum and joins the Forum in advising consumers that March is Fraud Awareness Month.

The Fraud Prevention Forum is a group of private sector firms, consumer and volunteer groups, government agencies and law enforcement organizations committed to fighting fraud aimed at consumers and businesses. Through its partners, the Forum works to prevent Canadians from becoming victims of fraud by educating them on how to recognize it, report it and stop it. The Forum is chaired by the Competition Bureau Canada.

Fraud Awareness Month highlights three key messages about fraud: Recognize it, Report it, Stop it. The BPCPA advises consumers to be aware of their rights under consumer law and report concerns to the BPCPA at 1 888 564-9963.

The BPCPA administers legislation which includes consumer rights and enforcement tools to protect consumers. For example, the BPCPA has shut down fraudulent telemarketers and provided compensation totaling nearly $2 million to consumers who were defrauded by telemarketing operations. Related to its work in providing restitution to consumers, the BPCPA has received a certificate of appreciation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for exceptional service in the public interest.

In recognition of Fraud Awareness Month, the BPCPA is a Gold Sponsor in Scam Jam on Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Scam Jam is a free consumer protection forum presented by the Better Business Bureau of Mainland BC and the BC Securities Commission. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver from 8:30 am to 3:45 pm. The BPCPA will be providing consumer information at its booth in the “Ethical Marketplace” and will be presenting information on consumer rights under the legislation.