Report scams & complaints

If You are Seeking Financial Compensation or Another Remedy

As an investor in a company there are certain things you can do if:

  • you want to get information about a company’s business activities
  • you do not agree with the decisions of the company’s directors or officers
  • you believe that the actions or inaction of the company’s directors or officers have harmed you or other investors
  • you want to get your invested funds back

You can pursue these avenues on your own or with the assistance of a lawyer.

Approach the person who sold you the investment, or the company in which you invested.

If an investment firm or representative sold you the company’s securities, read Complaints against an investment firm or representative

Pursue civil action

Your rights under the Business Corporations Act

The BC Business Corporations Act (known as the Company Act before March 29, 2004) governs the conduct of companies incorporated in British Columbia. It requires companies to maintain records, provide access to those records, and hold meetings of company shareholders. It also gives rights to shareholders. For example, shareholders can apply to the courts for an order directing that a company satisfy a shareholder’s complaint. The BCSC is not responsible for administering the Business Corporations Act. For information about your rights under this Act, you should seek assistance from a lawyer.

Your rights under the Securities Act

Under the Securities Act, a purchaser can take action if there was a misrepresentation in a company’s disclosure documents, or the purchaser did not receive a required disclosure document. The BCSC enforces the Securities Act, however, the BCSC cannot order financial compensation for investor losses. To pursue financial compensation, you must go through the courts.

BC Small Claims Court

This is a simple and less expensive way to sue for financial compensation and damages up to a maximum of $25,000. Most people represent themselves in small claims court. Visit the Court Services: Small Claims Court website New window

BC Supreme Court

If you are seeking more than $25,000, you will have to take your case to BC Supreme Court, where a lawyer should represent you.

Fraud or theft

While the BCSC can investigate and take enforcement action against people who commit fraud or theft, victims must generally pursue financial compensation through the courts. Additionally, you should report any suspected fraud or theft to the appropriate police department or RCMP detachment. RCMP: Reporting a Crime New window

You can find contact information for other regulators and organizations using the websites on the Related Links page.

How to file a complaint with the BCSC

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