An Overview of International Cyber-Security Awareness Raising and Educational Initiatives (2011)

Campaign Name:

COLT (Centre of Operations Linked to Telemarketing Fraud)

Organisation:

The Centre of Operations Linked to Telemarketing Fraud (COLT), a joint operation involving a range of Canadian and US law enforcement and regulatory agencies

Main URL:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/qc/services/colt/telemarket-fraud-eng.htm

Dates:

1998 to present

Costs:

Not disclosed.

Topics covered:

Mass marketing fraud (telemarketing via phone, mobile phone, post and Internet)

Target Audience:

Consumers and potential employees (students)

Methodology:

Education of consumers and those likely to become victims.

– Some general information on mass market scams with general advice on how to avoid becoming a victim

– Public advertisement campaign through advertisements and flyers handed out to students (potential telemarketing employees) warning of the dangers of working for fraudulent businesses

Evaluation:

Not found

Additional Information:

In 1998, the RCMP Commercial Crime Section in Montreal launched an integrated project to combat mass marketing fraud. The Centre of Operations Linked to Telemarketing Fraud (COLT) is a joint forces operation involving the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Sûreté du Québec (SQ), City of Montréal Police Service (SPVM), Competition Bureau, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (Immigration & Customs Enforcement), US Postal Inspection Service and US Federal Trade Commission. The COLT team also works in close cooperation with Canada Post, Canada Revenue Agency and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre (PhoneBusters).

The COLT team is tasked with investigating mass marketing fraud operations based in the greater Montreal area. Through prevention and education programs, it also aims to be proactive in putting an end to fraudulent activities and raising public awareness about this type of crime.

Sources:

1. <http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/qc/services/colt/telemarket-fraud-eng.htm> (accessed 23 June 2010).