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West Islanders should think twice and double check everything they may be asked to endorse through a petition, letter or what not.

For example, last month, Pierrefonds-Dollard MP Bernard Patry invited The Chronicle to his office one Friday afternoon to report on his signing of a banner promoting the anti-drug association Narconon Trois Rivières, which bases its teachings on L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, which boasts some famous members like movie stars John Travolta and Tom Cruise. The Chronicle’s original story on Patry’s banner-signing went online a couple of weeks ago (but didn’t make it to print). That story didn’t make any mention of Hubbard or Scientology. However, the newspaper then received several e-mails from people who read the online article stating their concern about the methods used by Narconon (which has chapters around the world) and its link to Hubbard and the religion he founded.

Patry told The Chronicle last week he believes Narconon’s results speak for themselves. He did acknowledge he had never heard about any possible connection between Narconon and Scientology until questioned by the newspaper. While Patry and some other politicians have signed on to support Narconon, it seems they should have done more background research on this initiative. In the end, they may still have supported it, but at least they would have avoided any potential controversies.

This same check-everything-carefully rule can be applied to all people in their daily lives, as they try to avoid becoming victims of fraud and identity theft.

March is Fraud Prevention Month and it seems about one million adult Canadians have fallen victim to mass marketing fraud, highlighting the need for more consumer education and vigilance, according to the Competition Bureau of Canada. An Environics survey assessed 12 types of mass marketing fraud (MMF) targeting Canadians: it found 58 per cent of Canadians reported they had been targeted; those targeted reported receiving 16 fraudulent contacts; and the total amount Canadians have lost is at least $450 million.

So, the message is clear, consumers and would-be endorsers should be aware of who is asking and what you are signing.