Canada’s telecom regulator has executed its first warrant as part of an investigation into a Brampton telemarketing scheme that could be part of an anti-virus software scam.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission alleges the undisclosed company is making calls to sell anti-virus software to Canadians who have registered for the National Do Not Call List.

The regulator is looking into the telemarketing aspect of what could be one of the anti-virus hacking scams it has previously warned about.

In those schemes, a caller says they work for a reputable software company like Microsoft and that your computer has been infected or offering to remotely install anti-virus software.

The caller asks for passwords to gain access to computers to gather banking information or infect computers with a virus. They can also ask for payment and credit card information in exchange for a faulty product.

The CRTC worked with the Peel Regional Police to enter and inspect the building on Tuesday after being granted the warrant by an Ontario Justice of the Peace.

The CRTC needed a warrant to get into a residence and remove documents, said Manon Bombardier, CRTC chief compliance and enforcement officer.

“We have a lot of powers and tools at our disposal, but in this particular case it felt it was determined necessary to go with a warrant,” she said.

She did not comment further on the investigation or disclose the name of the company, but said it would publicize the results of the investigation if it issues a settlement, citation or notice of violation.

The CRTC charged two Indian companies that were conducting anti-virus telemarketing scams as part of an international investigation that involved enforcement agencies from the U.S. and Australia.

It has previously looked into similar practices originating in Canada and more investigations will be conducted in the coming months, Bombardier said.

She added that the month-long investigation into the company, which has not previously been investigated or fined, could take at least a few more months.

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The CRTC has been cracking down on telemarketers who flout do not call rules enacted in 2008.

The regulator can also issue warning letters, citations and notices of violation, as well as administer financial penalties to individuals and companies found to be breaking the rules.

It has issued a total of $6.4 million in fines on companies found to be in violation of the rules.

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