February 2021

Consumer Edge

Office of Consumer Affairs

February 2021

Issues with your telecom or television provider? All the information you need to file a complaint

Did you know you can contact the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) to file a complaint about your wireless, phone, Internet and TV services? The CCTS offers a complaint service that is both impartial and free. To learn more, visit the CCTS website.

2020 Secret Shopper Project: Read the CRTC's Detailed Findings Report

The Secret Shopper Project was created in response to a CRTC finding that in 2019, some Canadians were subject to misleading or aggressive sales practices. For the purposes of the Secret Shopper Project, the CRTC focused on the sale of wireless mobile services.

Interested in learning more? Read the report.

Refunds and exchanges

No legal obligation exists for businesses to accept returned items unless they are defective. However, businesses generally agree that offering refunds or exchanges is an important part of fostering good customer relations.

If you encounter problems with an exchange or refund, or if you feel as if the seller is not upholding their policy, you can contact your provincial or territorial consumer affairs office for advice.

Want to learn more about the consumer complaints process? Also consult The complaint roadmap.

Love is in the air—and so are romance scams

A romance scam happens when a scammer convinces you to enter a virtual, online relationship so the scammer can gain your trust and affection. Eventually the scammer asks for money for travel, a medical emergency or family assistance. They might also ask you to receive money for them. By doing so, you might unknowingly commit a crime.

Take action:

Quiz

In 2018, how much money did Canadians reportedly lose to romance scams?

Sorry! You have answered incorrectly.

The answer is d) $22.5M. Some 760 victims in Canada reported losses of more than $22.5 million to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre last year, surpassing all other types of fraud.

Congratulations! You chose the right answer.

The answer is d) $22.5M. Some 760 victims in Canada reported losses of more than $22.5 million to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre last year, surpassing all other types of fraud.