An Ipsos Reid survey, commissioned by Visa, has found that 20 per cent of Canadians have found unauthorized charges on their credit cards as a result of accepting an offer online or on the phone.

The survey also found that 78 per cent of Canadians are aware of the existence of deceptive or fraudulent marketing practices, but many fail to act on that knowledge.

A recent investigation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission underscores how easily consumers can be bilked.

Central Coast Nutraceuticals was shut down by authorities after bilking consumers out of more than $100 million through several deceptive tactics used to sell an acai berry supplement and colon cleanser.

The company used false endorsements from TV personalities Rachael Ray and Oprah Winfrey to give its website credibility, and a so-called free offer to lure consumers into ordering products. The company gained credit card numbers by telling consumers they would have to pay shipping on free products, according to the trade commission.

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