TORONTO (CP) - An American trade official called Canada "a haven" for telemarketing fraud artists on Tuesday as his Canadian counterparts announced they're making their anti-fraud education material available to the United States.
[. . . . ] As well, Canadian penalties for those convicted of telephone fraud are not as stiff as those in the U.S., [Steven Baker, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's Midwest director] said.
[. . . . ] But Robillard dodged questions on whether Canada needs tougher penalties to deal with fraud artists.
My Commentary:
Why? Is this so difficult to handle? Are our legislators incompetent? I just heard on television that Minister Robillard's department has prepared some anti-fraud educational materials that she is giving to Americans. Can you imagine this being a satisfactory response? Why not deal with the actual problem which is not whether the Americans have read/will read about telemarketing -- or whatever she has had prepared. Indeed!
I remember the relentless pursuit of an elderly relative by telephone simply because this person, lacking much company, was receptive. The telemarketers would call and talk but if I broke in and answered on the other line to protect the elderly person, the telemarketer would waffle and call back later, hopefully when I was not around. Finally, I telephoned the police and asked for their help in stopping this attempt to fleece money from an elderly person. Surely, we can do better, Minister? Or do you lack the will?
