Questions & answers
Can the BCSC get my money back?
The Commission has the power to make various orders relating to money and enforcement staff frequently apply for these types of orders. For example, before a hearing the Commission can issue orders to freeze funds. After a hearing, if someone has contravened the Securities Act, the Commission can order that that person pay to the Commission the amount they obtained, or amounts they avoided paying, from the misconduct. Any funds collected under this type of order would be repaid to investors.
The Commission can also apply to the Supreme Court of British Columbia for an order that a person who has contravened the Securities Act compensate or make restitution to the victims of his or her misconduct. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that people who obtain your money by devious means have usually spent it by the time they are caught. Even with our best efforts, only a very small number of cases result in returning money to investors.