The Lung Association Warns Of Telephone Scam Using Their Name

(Ottawa) The Canadian Lung Association today warned of a telephone scam that uses the organizations name as a lure. The goal of the fraudulent activity is to trick victims into revealing personal banking information in order to claim a prize. Canadians are urged to be aware of individuals who call and claim they represent The Lung Association.

 Victims receive a series of phones calls. In the initial call, a person will identify themselves as representing The Lung Association. The caller tells the victim that they are conducting an “Air Quality Research Survey” on the organization’s behalf.

 Days later the victim receives another call saying they will receive a prize for participating in the survey. The caller then states that they need the victim’s financial information in order to ship the prize.

 “‘It is extremely disheartening to know someone is representing our organization in such a deceitful manner.’ says Heather Borquez, President & CEO, The Canadian Lung Association, “The current economic climate has hit our organization hard. This scam threatens our reputation with current and potential donors.”

 Those who have received similar questionable telephone calls that claim to represent The Lung Association should contact:

 The Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre (Phonebusters)

Office hours:  08:00 to 17:30 (ET)

Toll Free: (888) 495-8501

Toll Free: (888) 654-9426

www.phonebusters.com

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About The Lung Association

Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues.

For more information, media representatives may contact:

Cameron Bishop
Director of Government Affairs and Media Relations
The Lung Association
613-569-6411, ext, 223