PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT FALSE FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

The Consumer Protection Branch is warning the public about potential fundraising activities of Rolf Hartloff and Stan Latkowski of Prairie Publications Group. Both men were convicted in Provincial Court on February 28th, for offences under The Charitable Fund-raising Businesses Act.

Hartloff and Latkowski were convicted for acting as a fund-raising business without a license while they were soliciting funds for a local fire fighter association without their written consent. If you are solicited by either of these two men operating as Prairie Publications, please contact your local police or the Saskatchewan Consumer Protection Branch immediately at 1-888-374-4636.

The Consumer Protection Branch also asks the public to watch out for copycat charities and/or charities providing misleading information to the public. Under The Charitable Fund-raising Businesses Act, paid fund-raisers that come to your door need to visibly carry an identification card that says PAID CANVASSER in large, bold letters. The Act also requires that paid telephone canvassers disclose the name of the fund-raising business, the name of the charity, the charitable purpose for which contributions will be used and the jurisdictions in which contributions will be used.

To protect yourself from fraud, you should:

1. Ask the right questions, including how the money will be used.

2. Don't give cash. Write a cheque to an organization, not an individual.

3. Don't give out personal information like your Social Insurance number or phone number.

4. Check the legitimacy of charitable organizations with the Consumer Protection Branch.

5. Take your time and beware of high-pressure tactics.

People are further cautioned not to donate to an organization that promises to have a driver immediately come to your home or office and pick up a cheque. This tactic is usually a sure sign of fraud. Report any suspicious activity to your local police and/or the consumer protection office at 1-888-374-4636.

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For More Information, Contact:

Larry Wilson Consumer Protection Branch Regina Phone: (306) 787-5712