Spot Investment Scams
Have you ever received a telephone call about an “amazing investment opportunity”? If so, be careful; the investment may not actually exist. |
Cold Calls & Email PromotionsBe Wary – Say no, and hang up if someone is pressuring you to invest. |
Many people turn to those they trust as sources of information when it comes to investing. Be careful. The ones you love don’t always have the right answers. |
Fraud Among Friends & FamilyBe Suspicious – “Exclusive” offers are often scams and friends/family don’t always have the answer. |
The Internet is a quick, easy, and cheap way for scam artists to find potential victims for their investment scams. |
Online Investment PromotionsBe Suspicious – Don’t fall for claims of information given to only “special” people. |
The atmosphere at investment seminars can be charged and exciting, and once you are there, it can be difficult to avoid the high-pressure sales tactics. |
Investment SeminarsBe Wary – Fraudsters use pressure tactics and excessive use of financial jargon. |
Does an investment ad you read in the paper or hear about on the radio sound too good to be true? It just might be. |
Investment AdsBe Savvy – Fraudsters often use newspapers, TV, radio, billboards, tradeshow booths, and seminars to promote fraudulent investments. |
Check Before Investing
Check a salesperson’s registration on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ (CSA) website or contact the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC).
Report Suspicious Investments
Bring suspicious investment activity to the attention of the BCSC by contacting BCSC Inquiries. You can report suspicious activity anonymously through the Report a Scam form. Remember to keep records in case you need to make a complaint or take legal action.