Enough With Telemarketing!

Dear Friends,

I have been receiving a noticeable increase in complaints from constituents in East Vancouver regarding telemarketing and aggressive solicitation tactics. I am very troubled about the practices of these telemarketing businesses and as a result I recently wrote to Industry Minister Tony Clement, to register my concerns on this. I have included a copy of my letter to the Minister (see below), so please take a look at it.

The federal government’s solution to protect Canadians has been their highly touted national ‘Do not call’ list. Registering your name on this list was meant to ensure protection from the practices of telemarketing agencies. However there have been significant problems, and far from providing protection it has actually led to Canadians receiving more telemarketing calls. As a result I have called on the federal government to alter its policies to give greater protection for Canadians.

If you are experiencing problems with telephone solicitations and telemarketing, here are some resources that might help you…

The Vancouver Police department has devoted a section of the force exclusively to financial crimes and fraud. They have lots of information that details common types of fraudulent tactics and some helpful tips on how to avoid them. The contact information for the Vancouver Police Department’s Financial Crimes division is:

http://vancouver.ca/police/Investigation/FinancialCrime/index.htm

General Enquires (604) 717-2569
E-mail: vpd.fcs@vpd.ca

The RCMP runs a national anti-fraud hotline called PhoneBusters. They have an informative website as well which contains information designed to alert Canadians on how to recognize current scams and how to avoid them. They can be found at:

http://www.Phonebusters.com
1-888-495-8501

The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Agency of BC allows you to file a complaint about these practices. They also have an arm of the agency that investigates fraudulent activities:

http://www.bpcpa.ca
1-888-564-9963

I’d certainly be interested to hear about any concerns you have, so if you’d like to share any information just let me know. I can be reached at email daviel@parl.gc.ca or phone 604 775 5800.

Yours Sincerely,

Libby
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February 3, 2009

The Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Dear Minister,

RE: Telemarketing and Solicitation Practices in Canada

I have recently been hearing from my constituents that they have grave concerns about the practices of telemarketing and solicitation companies in Canada. I have attached the letters from my constituents, which highlight the need to protect Canadians from the fraudulent practices and inherently predatory nature of these companies.

By aggressively targeting individuals, many of whom are without the means to protect themselves, these companies engage in practices that are very questionable. Businesses that prey on human frailties should not be allowed to do so.

Therefore I call on your government to ensure there are adequate protections from these practices. Without intervention these companies are likely to continue to harass Canadians in the one place that should be the safest, their own home.

I urge you to improve laws that are meant to protect ordinary Canadians from unethical solicitation and telemarketing companies. Thank You.

Sincerely,

Libby Davies
MP, Vancouver East

C.C. Jennifer Stoddart, Privacy Commissioner