LONDON — The McGuinty government is moving to protect seniors by putting in place new safeguards and providing them with information to help avoid real estate fraud, identity theft and other consumer scams, said Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips.

“Seniors are often the target for fraudsters and this government wants to ensure that it provides the best protection for its citizens,” said Phillips at an interactive workshop for seniors in London. “Ontario has recently enacted some of the toughest consumer protection measures in the world, but the best weapons against fraud are educated consumers and homeowners.  That’s why we need to make sure we work with groups such as seniors to give them the tools to help them protect themselves.”

The McGuinty government has introduced a number of tough measures to eliminate real estate fraud, including:

• Making it clear that a property will not be lost as a result of the registration of a falsified mortgage, fraudulent sale or a counterfeit power of attorney
• As of February 1, 2007, streamlining the Land Titles Assurance Fund so that in standard cases of fraud, a title is returned and a decision on compensation is made within 90 days 
• Increasing fines for real estate fraud to $50,000 from $1,000.

In addition to strong new measures designed to protect homeowners from real estate fraud scams, the province also recently passed new legislation designed to help people protect their identity and safeguard their credit ratings.

Phillips’ presentation was facilitated by the ABCs of Fraud®, a program designed to educate the public about consumer fraud. Seniors were encouraged to ask questions about issues such as fraudulent telemarketing and identity theft.

“We applaud the Ontario government for its relentless efforts in raising awareness about fraud,” said Barbara Carter, National Program Director, ABCs of Fraud® at Volunteer Toronto.  “Efforts to protect consumers, and particularly seniors, can only succeed if we continue to inform them about their rights and give them easy, practical tools to recognize fraud and avoid becoming victims of it.”

The Ministry of Government Services’ Consumer Protection Branch tracks the 10 top consumer complaints, which include: collection agencies; home repairs; home furnishings; motor vehicle purchases; motor vehicle repairs; appliances; health and fitness clubs; credit reporting; personal items; and electricity retailers/natural gas marketers.

For more information on how to protect yourself from fraud, and to learn more about your rights visit the Ministry of Government Services’ website at www.mgs.gov.on.ca

Contacts:

Paul de Zara
Minister’s Office
Office: 416-327-3072
Cell : 647-388-9671 

Ciaran Ganley
Communications Branch
416-325-8659