Consumer Alert: E-mails Could Be Scams

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Consumer Alert: E-mails Could Be Scams

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations is advising Nova Scotians to be wary of e-mails arriving in computer in-boxes claiming big investment returns.

E-mails claiming to be from political refugees or those seeking political asylum ask for assistance in transferring large sums of money into foreign accounts in exchange for a percentage of interest. The e-mails also advise recipients that their air fare, accommodation and meals would be paid for should they choose to travel to the appropriate country to open a non-resident bank account.

The e-mail sender alleges to have millions of U.S. dollars to invest in a profitable venture and claims that the offer is "risk free." Recipients are asked to call an overseas number where they may be pressured into sending money or releasing personal financial and banking information.

Nova Scotians should be aware that participating before checking out the facts may cost them a lot of money, warns Greg Mitchell of Service Nova Scotia’s Business Audit and Enforcement Unit.

"This is one that concerns us because it promises a lot of money for nothing," said Mr. Mitchell. "Scam artists will take advantage of people by playing on their sympathy and using high- pressure tactics. Before getting involved, check it out. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Mr. Mitchell strongly encourages anyone receiving one of these e- mails to check with consumer watchdog groups like Service Nova Scotia at 424-5200 in Metro, toll-free at 1-800-670-4357 or the federal Consumer Affairs Web site, http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/ , or local police enforcement agencies before releasing any money or personal information.

Service Nova Scotia is the provincial department responsible for consumer-protection legislation, consumer complaints and business-practice investigation.