Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to strengthen enforcement cooperation on cross-border fraud matters.

The MOU, signed by Acting FTC Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen, will enhance efforts by the FTC and RCMP to share information and engage in joint investigations. The FTC and the RCMP already cooperate on such issues as telemarketing fraud and providing redress for victims of cross-border frauds.

“This MOU will strengthen our efforts to combat cross-border fraud and protect both U.S. and Canadian consumers,” FTC Acting Chairman Ohlhausen said. “This will expand our areas of cooperation and our ability to share information and conduct joint investigations.” 

The RCMP plays a key role in Canadian law enforcement, acting as Canada’s national police force at the federal level while also providing policing services to eight of Canada’s provinces. The RCMP participates with the FTC in five Canada/U.S. regional partnerships focused on combatting cross-border marketing fraud, together with numerous other U.S. and Canadian enforcement agencies. 

The MOU recognizes the long-standing partnership between the two agencies, which have worked together on joint cases, shared consumer complaints, and provided assistance with foreign asset recovery. This includes a 2016 case that netted $1.87 million in relief for victims of a debt relief scam and a case from 2015 involving cross-border telemarketing fraud that targeted seniors. The MOU will expand cooperation between the two agencies in enforcing each country’s respective consumer protection laws.

The Commission vote authorizing Acting Chairman Ohlhausen to sign the MOU on behalf of the agency was 3-0.

The Federal Trade Commission works with foreign governments to promote international cooperation and sound policy.  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases and the FTC International Monthly for the latest FTC news and resources.