The Better Business Bureau files show more than 600 companies that list a Champlain address. Most are Canadian companies that want to make victims feel safe, that they are dealing with a U.S. firm.

"We open new company files nearly every week for Champlain. For an area this small, it's absurd," Polino said.

The volume has led the Better Business Bureau to create a special process for dealing with the complaints. They work with authorities on both sides of the border, including the Federal Trade Commission, Canadian Competition Bureau, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre.

MAKING PROGRESS

The Better Business Bureau says those efforts are working. The number of new files concerning cross-border companies using Champlain and Plattsburgh addresses has decreased from 133 in 2005 to 118 in 2006 and 90 in 2007.

C. Steven Baker, director of the Federal Trade Commission's Midwest Region, said consumers and businesses need to use information and tools to avoid fraud.

"The BBB offers consumers a Web site that creates access to a company's history. With more detail, consumers will be better suited to separate an unethical business from one that can be trusted."

Louis Robertson of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Center said the scams are a problem for both potential victims and legitimate business owners who might lose customers because they list a northern New York address.

The center works with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, U.S. law-enforcement officials and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to fight the scammers.

HARD TO PROSECUTE

Prosecution is difficult, due to the different jurisdictions involved and because some companies operate on the fringe of legality. The companies often simply shut down or switch names and addresses at the slightest hint of trouble.

Polino appreciates the efforts that are having an effect but wants to see even more done.

"Our Champlain watch should become a scam watch for every small-business owner and consumer. This area is notorious and needs to become a red flag for anyone considering a business deal with a company purporting to be located in Champlain."

dheath@pressrepublican.com

PROTECT YOURSELF
The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to avoid being scammed:
E Visit www.bbb.org to find reports that include business history and consumer experiences with a company.
E Caller ID and mailing addresses can help spot a scam. Area codes 514, 418, 438, 450 and 819 are used by callers from the Montreal and Quebec area.
E Use extreme vigilance when dealing with telemarketers, and take your time to make a decision.
E Don't give out personal account numbers or even confirm them to anyone you don't know. Some callers have your information already and only need a person to say yes to one innocuous question to try to use that as a sales confirmation.
E Trustworthy companies rarely use high-pressure sales tactics or offers that expire at the point of sale.
E If you have a problem, file a complaint with one or all of the following: the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org), the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre (www.phonebusters.com).

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