Consumer fraud

Consumer fraud refers to deceptive or dishonest practices used against consumers, such as false or misleading representations about goods or services, hidden charges or high pressure tactics. In BC, most such conduct is treated as a deceptive or unconscionable act or practice under consumer protection law, and serious cases may also be criminal fraud.

How BC law treats it

BC's consumer statute is the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, SBC 2004, c 2, enforced by Consumer Protection BC, which prohibits deceptive and unconscionable acts or practices in consumer transactions. Most of the Act does not apply to sales, leases or mortgages of land, but its Part 2 on unfair practices does (s. 2(2)). Licensed real estate professionals are separately regulated under the Real Estate Services Act, SBC 2004, c 42 by the BC Financial Services Authority.

What it means for your business

A business selling to consumers should review its advertising, pricing and sales scripts for statements that could be misleading.

Risks and common mistakes

A deceptive practice can allow a consumer to cancel the transaction or recover losses, and can lead to enforcement action and penalties.

For the full explanation, see our entry on Consumer protection.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.