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Year in Review: Resources You May Have Missed in 2020

A custom BCSC InvestRight image featuring imagery from top resources articles tools and campaigns in 2020 on InvestRight.org.
Check out the top investor resources and tools launched on InvestRight in 2020.

2020 has been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. A ride that many of us may not have been prepared to take, nor buckled up for.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw financial markets become volatile, oil prices drop to historic lows, and COVID-19-related scams bubble up.

Throughout the year, we launched tools and resources to help British Columbians navigate sudden adjustments to their financial goals. In this post, we’re recapping our top ones you don’t want to miss.

Investment Fraud Awareness

Learn to Spot the Fraud Warning Signs

We created five videos to help you recognize the five common fraud warning signs. Each video features a scenario based on a real British Columbian fraud case and is designed to help you identify fraud in a seemingly normal encounter.

Watch these videos to better understand a fraudster’s tactics and promises so you can recognize and reject investment scams.

The Reality of Romance Scams

Online dating has become more common thanks to dating apps and sites. In 2020, starting up an online relationship may be even more appealing when we’re being asked to limit our in-person interactions due to the ongoing pandemic.

This illustration of a man hanging onto a heart which is bait at the end of a fishing pole held by a fraudster represents how fraudsters will try to bait potential victims of investment fraud through romance scams.

There can, however, be a nefarious side to finding love online. Scammers can use these same sites and apps to gain your trust and affection, before presenting reasons why they need you to “help” them financially. And these scams don’t just happen online.

Learn how romance scams work, and what you need to do to protect yourself and your finances against fraud.

Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 Information Page for BC Investors

March 2020 marked a dramatic change in the lives of Canadians when COVID-19 became a serious health and economic concern in our country.

It became clear that British Columbian investors needed access to trusted COVID-19 resources, including information on how to avoid investment fraud.

To help investors navigate their investments during economic uncertainty, we created a COVID-19 information page. The page includes relevant articles, links to government resources, and the latest COVID-19-related investor warnings and alerts.

Understanding Market Volatility

This illustration of three men and one woman analyzing a set of arrows pointing in opposite directions represents the market volatility investors have dealt with during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to extreme market swings. Market volatility can be stressful for investors, especially if you’re a new investor who hasn’t experienced it in the past.

We wrote three articles to help you better understand what market volatility means, and how you can navigate sudden financial market swings.

Elder Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is the illegal or unauthorized use of someone else’s money or property. It includes pressuring someone for money or property.

– Government of Canada

Elder financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse in Canada. It can have devastating financial and emotional impacts.

Elder financial abuse isn’t always easy to recognize, and sometimes it can be even more daunting to report. That’s because abusers are usually people who have a close connection to you.

This year we partnered with the Office of the Seniors Advocate (OSA) to help British Columbians understand what elder financial abuse can look like, and how to talk to loved ones about potential abuse.

https://vimeo.com/429153502

Learn Whether You’re an Investor or a Saver

Knowing whether you’re a saver or an investor is an important part of managing your financial goals. For example, you may look at shifting some funds towards a savings account if you don’t have an emergency fund in place.

We launched a new quiz to help you determine where you fit, according to your current money habits.

Understanding your current financial situation is a key step toward reaching your financial goals.

How to Stay Informed

We regularly update our Blog channel and investing pages to provide you with timely investing information. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to have curated investing topics delivered straight to your inbox.

We look forward to equipping you with more tools and tips that can help you along your investor journey in 2021!

Report a Concern

If you have any concerns about a person or company offering an investment opportunity, please contact BCSC Contact Centre 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 BCSC’s online complaint form.

InvestRight.org is the BC Securities Commission’s investor education website. Subscribe to receive email updates from BCSC InvestRight.

More Resources

How to File a Complaint with the BCSC

How to File a Complaint with the BCSC

The BCSC encourages the public to report fraud or misconduct. If you know of a suspicious investment, individual, or company operating in B.C., contact the BCSC immediately.

Read More
‘Tis the Season for Smart Financial Goals

‘Tis the Season for Smart Financial Goals

Holidays are a good time to review your short and long-term financial goals.

Read More

Crypto Quiz

Test Your Crypto Asset Knowledge.

i
This quiz is designed to introduce you to the basics of crypto assets. It is not intended to provide investment or financial advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for such advice.
1
QUESTION 1/10

Cryptocurrencies and blockchain are the same thing.