CRTC executes first inspection warrant as part of telemarketing investigation

OTTAWA and GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced that it executed an inspection warrant to enter and inspect a property in Brampton, Ontario, on November 24, 2015, as part of an ongoing investigation of a significant telemarketing operation. This company is alleged to be making unauthorized calls to Canadians for the purpose of selling anti-virus software to numbers registered on the National Do Not Call List (DNCL).

The inspection warrant, a first of its kind for the CRTC, was granted by an Ontario Justice of the Peace, and carried out with the help of the Peel Regional Police Services.

The CRTC has a range of tools at its disposal to investigate alleged violations of the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules, which include the ability to obtain an  inspection warrant to enter and inspect a property, issue request for information letters and conduct onsite inspections.

The CRTC can issue a number of enforcement actions, such as warning letters, citations and notices of violation with administrative monetary penalties to individuals, companies or organizations found to be in violation of the Rules. Additionally, the CRTC's Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer can discuss corrective actions with the entity in violation of the Rules, which may lead to a settlement that includes an administrative monetary penalty and other measures.

The CRTC does not comment on active investigations, nor does it name the individuals or companies under investigation. The CRTC will publicize the results of its investigations on its website if it issues a settlement or issues a notice of violation or citation.

About the National Do Not Call List

The National DNCL was launched in 2008 to protect Canadians from unsolicited telecommunications. Canadians may register their numbers permanently on the List at no charge. Over 12.9 million numbers are currently registered on the List.

Canadians can register their numbers, verify whether a number is on the List or file a complaint about a telemarketer by calling 1-866-580-DNCL (3625) or visiting the National DNCL website.

Quick Facts

• The Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules are a set of rules that individuals, companies and organizations must follow when engaging in telemarketing or other forms of unsolicited telecommunications.
• The CRTC is committed to protecting Canadians and continues to enhance its monitoring to ensure telemarketers follow the Rules.
• To date, the CRTC has imposed penalties totalling over $6.4 million payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

Quote

"We are committed to protecting Canadians from unsolicited telecommunications and ensuring that telemarketers comply with the applicable rules. We will not hesitate to use all the tools at our disposal, including executing inspection warrants, in carrying out investigations of suspected violations and to enforce the Rules. I am grateful to our partners at the Peel Regional Police Services for their assistance in this matter."

Manon Bombardier, CRTC Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer

Associated Links

Telemarketing and unwanted calls 
National Do Not Call List

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Media Relations, [phone]; General Inquiries, [phone], Toll-free 1 (877) 249-CRTC (2782), TTY [phone]