Consumer Investigation Unit

What is the Consumer Investigation Unit?

The Alberta Consumer Investigation Unit (CIU) and other consumer protection authorities have the authority to investigate consumer complaints. These units operate in a quasi-judicial capacity, enabling them to impose fines and penalties when necessary. By doing so, the CIU can efficiently resolve issues, thereby alleviating the burden on our already overburdened court system.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with a Peace Officer attending an anti-fraud show. The CIU is staffed by Peace Officers investigating violations involving tenancy, charitable organization fundraising, and consumer protection. Additionally, while not all the investigations involve fraudulent activity, many of their investigations do contain a fraud component. This is because fraud is the intentional act of depriving another entity of something of value by deception or unfair means.

In an earlier post, I discussed some types of consumer fraud and some common frauds. These included the Grandparent and Missing Hier schemes, which are often run through call centres and manned by individuals who are forced into such work by organized crime groups.

In addition to being vigilant against phishing, fraudulent phone calls, fake web links, and emails, it is essential to be aware of individuals who can deceive us in person. For example, consider the scenario where someone shows up at your door offering to replace your roof. Claiming to work in the neighbourhood, they provide a reasonable quote but request upfront payment for materials. However, once they receive the money, they disappear without completing the job. This common fraud scheme often targets seniors. The CIU has the authority to investigate such fraud cases and levy penalties on those responsible.

CIU Resources

The CIU offers a range of valuable consumer resources to the public, including the Business Enforcement Search tool, Business Licensing tool Appeal Board decisions, and Consumer Alerts. These tools provide specific information aimed at educating individuals about potential risks associated with various businesses.

For instance, if someone is considering using an unfamiliar employment agency, they can utilize the Employment Agencies search tool to check if the company has faced any enforcement actions or penalties in Alberta. With weekly updates on 23 industries, consumers can access up-to-date information to make informed decisions.

Similarly, the Appeal Board decision archive contains details on 64 appeals resolved since 2011. This comprehensive information allows consumers to review case specifics and decide whether to engage with a particular company.

Moreover, the Consumer Alerts highlight eleven businesses that are not complying with Alberta’s regulations. Among these alerts are unlicensed prepaid contractors engaging in fraudulent activities similar to those previously described.

Types of Complaints

The CIU investigates all complaints related to potential consumer violations, such as housing, financial and purchasing, as well as any other activity that falls under the Consumer Protection Act.

The links provided in this post are generally for Alberta, however all provinces have similar consumer protection divisions.
– British Columbia – Consumer Protection BC
– Saskatchewan – Financial and Consumer Affairs
– Manitoba – Consumer Protection Office
-Ontario – Consumer Protection Ontario
-Quebec – Consumer Protection Office
-New Brunswick – Consumer Protection

-Nova Scotia – Consumer Protection
-Prince Edward Island – Consumer Services
-Newfoundland – Consumer Protection
-Northwest Territories – Consumer Affairs
-Nunavut – CGS Consumer Affairs
-Yukon – Professional Licensing

Although there are no tools that will protect consumers 100% from fraud. It is up to us to do our research on the companies and individuals we do business with. Using the resources our governments provide gives us an effective tool in the anti-fraud war.

If you have any questions or comments about this topic, I would love to hear from you. Add your comments below, and check us out on our Instagram page at truth_or_fraud.

Kathleen O’Donoghue, CFE