CBC news report on the scam

Members of the public and media have contacted the CTF regarding calls that invite people to complete a telephone survey in exchange for a “free trip.”  Pleased be warned:  the calls are fraudulent and are in no way connected to CTF fundraising efforts.

The telemarketers identify themselves as being from Independent Survey Group and, so far, show area codes from 503 (Oregon) and 360 (Washington State).  The survey specifically asks people if they “agree with the position of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation to reform the pensions of Members of Parliament?”  Callers are then sent to another call centre that offers a free cruise to the Bahamas, where it is reported that people are given a high-pressure sales pitch for timeshares.

The CTF has nothing to do with robo calls, telephone surveys, free cruises or Independent Survey Group.  These calls are a scam and the CTF urges anyone receiving these calls to immediately contact the following to file a complaint:

CRTC:  1-866-580-3625
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501  (cite reference number 738231)

These Canadian agencies work with law enforcement in the Unites States.  We have nevertheless, also contacted the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), BBB and Washington State Office of the Attorney General .  

Given our own research (including numbers appearing on call displays in Canada) we believe this is likely related to the “Love Boat Scam” which is already part of a law suit involving seven states against companies based in Florida http://www.atg.wa.gov/BlogPost.aspx?id=29592

The CTF wants anyone receiving these calls to please report them and know that we are doing everything we possibly can to stop them. 

Troy Lanigan
President, Canadian Taxpayers Federation
[email protected]