How to File a Complaint with the BCSC

The British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) encourages the public report fraud or misconduct. Information we receive from the public helps us protect investors from investment fraud and other misconduct.

If you know of a suspicious investment, individual, or company operating in B.C., contact the BCSC immediately.

How to File a Complaint with the BCSC:

B.C. residents can contact us in the following ways:

• Call 1-800-373-6393 during regular business hours
• Email [email protected]
• Use the online File a Complaint form
• Send a letter or package in the mail

Contact the BCSC

What to Include in an Investor Complaint:

When you contact the BCSC, include as much detail as possible. Some important pieces of information include:

• How much you invested and any details about the investment
• The names and contact information of the people involved
• What you were told about the investment

You should also send us copies of documents, emails, or any other relevant information that relate to the investment. The more information you provide, the faster we can decide what action to take.

What Happens to the Complaint you Submit

When you file a complaint with the BCSC, the Enforcement division’s Case Assessment Branch reviews your complaint to determine the appropriate action. Case Assessment may refer the matter to another branch within the Enforcement division for investigation.

The BCSC May Need You to Provide More Information

Someone in the Enforcement division may contact you to learn more. You can provide this information over the phone, email, or in-person.

• If the information relates to a matter we are aware of, it will be referred to the investigator working on that file.
• If your complaint does not involve securities, we may be able to refer you to another agency.

What action the BCSC Can Take After a Complaint

Complaints that relate to securities may result in the BCSC enforcement division moving forward with an investigation. Not all complaints result in an enforcement action. Furthermore, if your complaint does not involve securities, we may be able to refer you to another agency.

In some cases, during an investigation we can act quickly and freeze money and prohibit trading in specific securities. Freezing money is one of the best tools we have to protect investors. In some cases, freezing funds stops the illegal activity.

Complaints that become investigations may result in a hearings which may result in orders against people who committed misconduct.

Types of Investigations: Administrative and Criminal

Administrative Investigations

The BCSC’s administrative investigators can require people to provide evidence for the investigation.  They can summons and interview witnesses and demand records and information.

Administrative investigations may result in a hearing before a BCSC panel, which is like a trial. Hearing panels hear evidence and arguments to decide if there has been any misconduct.

BCSC panels can ban a person from trading securities and from directing or managing a company. They may also issue fines. Administrative cases cannot result in jail time.

Criminal Investigations

BCSC criminal investigators cannot require people to provide evidence or information.  They may use search warrants or production orders issued by the Court to require people to provide information. They may also obtain information voluntarily.

BCSC criminal investigators refer cases to Crown Counsel who can approve charges and prosecute cases in court.

If a person is found guilty in a criminal proceeding, they can be sent to jail.

Questions or Concerns? Contact the BCSC

We welcome comments, questions, and tips from investors. If you need to speak to someone at the BCSC, contact us.

• Call 1-800-373-6393
• Email [email protected]
• Use the online complaint form
• Send a package or letter to the BCSC

Learn About BCSC Inquiries

Report a Concern

If you have any concerns about a person or company offering an investment opportunity, please contact BCSC Inquiries at 604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393 or through e-mail at [email protected]. You can also file a complaint or submit a tip anonymously using the BCSC’s online complaint form.

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