Project "Hang Up on Fraud"

• Abstract
• Problem
• Objective
• Partners
• Actions/Results
• Assessment/Lessons Learned
• Submitted by

Abstract

Project "Hang Up On Fraud" was a province-wide campaign held simultaneously in Calgary and Edmonton to combat telemarketing fraud. Eleven partners from the business and law-enforcement community worked in conjunction with various seniors' groups to contact previous victims of telemarketers in order to provide information about the dangers of phone frauds.

Problem

Telemarketing fraud has cost Albertans in excess of $3 M since 1995. Over 56% of the victims are over the age of 60, and seniors represent 85% of the victims who lost $5000 or more. The average dollar loss reported is over $12,000 per person.

Objective

1. Educate the public on how to protect themselves against phone fraud, with special emphasis on seniors.
2. Generate media attention.
   
3. Work in conjunction with a variety of partners to combat telemarketing fraud.
   
4. Develop a proactive stance against telemarketing fraud.

1. Alberta Municipal Affairs, Lynn Bowditch (403) 422-8221; organised event, provided administrative assistance, funded signage, brochures.
   
2. Calgary Police Service, Cst. Wayne Hill (403) 268-8976; organised seniors to staff phones, contacted RCMP and Better Business Bureau to take part, provided staff to act as trouble-shooters.
   
3. RCMP Commercial Crime Calgary, Cst. Fred Massee, Bob Nichols, and Barb Smail (403) 292-5581, provided staff to act as trouble-shooters, provided training and debriefing.
   
4. Better Business Bureau of Calgary, Ellen Wright (403) 531-8786, provided staff to act as trouble-shooters, provided training and debriefing.
   
5. Canadian Bankers Association provided lunch for the volunteers, as well as copies of their information brochure "Safeguarding Your Interests."
   
6. Telus Corporation provided the telephones, installation, and the long-distance costs.
   
7. Best Western Hospitality provided three suites for the campaign.
   
8. Project PhoneBusters, S/Sgt. Barry Elliot 1-888-495-8501 provided the list of previous victims from their database.
   

Actions / Results

A "reverse boiler room" was set up, staffed by approximately 84 volunteers callers, divided into four shifts. In Calgary, approximately 2200 calls were placed to previous victims of telemarketing fraud. In Edmonton, 1139 calls were placed. Of these calls, 1088 people were actually contacted (714 Calgary, 374 Edmonton). Callers reached 32.6 percent of the list, and that is consistent with previous campaigns in Ontario and Florida. Further, 342 people requested further information via the mail. Media coverage was excellent, with all forms represented (radio, TV, print).

Assessment / Lessons Learned

1. Adequate lead time for the partners was essential; for example Telus required three months' notice.
   
2. This campaign was co-ordinated to coincide with Crime Prevention Week which allowed for more exposure.
   
3. The campaign room needs to be very large to allow for noise.
   
4. Extend the campaign into the evening hours to maximise contacts.
   
5. "Pre-screen" phone numbers to see if they are still in service.
   
6. Simple tally form to keep track of statistics.
   
7. Extend campaign to two days.
   
8. Media contacted during campaign to prevent telemarketers from posing as "Hang Up on Fraud" callers.
   

Submitted by:

Cst. Fred Massee, Calgary Commercial Crime Section
Cst. Bob Nichols, Calgary Commercial Crime Section
Cst. Barb Smail, Calgary Commercial Crime Section
(403) 292-5581
920 - 16th Avenue N.E.,
Calgary, Alberta,
T2E 1K9

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