It’s another year in the books at the BC Securities Commission (BCSC) for investor education. From a new calculator to a fraud awareness campaign and the launch of our new whistleblower program, we’ve spent the year – as always – dedicated to helping British Columbians navigate the world of investing.
Let’s take a look back at 2023 before we usher in a new year.
Retirement Calculator
This new calculator provides insight on how investing can impact retirement. BCSC research shows retirement continues to be a top goal for British Columbians. The sooner you set your retirement plan in motion, the more time your savings have to grow.
Use our Retirement Calculator to see how investing can impact retirement.
Crypto Resources
The BCSC wants British Columbians to empower themselves with the information they need to spot crypto and other online investment scams. To mark Fraud Prevention Month in March 2023, the BCSC launched a new public awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of crypto scams. Learn to spot the red flags by visiting cryptoscams.ca.
We also updated our Fraud Email Course with a module dedicated to crypto scams. Sign up for the free course here.
And if you need a go-to resource for crypto, then bookmark our revamped Crypto Assets page. Learn how crypto exists or how blockchain works, and read through our glossary of commonly used crypto terms. The crypto space can contain scams and schemes, and we can help you spot the warning signs. The more informed you are, the less likely you are to fall victim to these scams and the more likely you are to identify red flags.
Reject Elder Financial Abuse
Every June, the BCSC recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), but elder financial abuse can occur anytime. Understanding the severity of elder financial abuse – especially in a world where financial abuse is on the rise – is a critical first step to protecting seniors in British Columbia.
Read this article to learn about important facts and empower yourself to recognize the signs before you or your loved ones fall victim to investment fraud.
Whistleblower Program
In November 2023, the BCSC announced it would start paying people who provide helpful information about investment fraud and other serious types of market misconduct.
The BCSC’s whistleblower awards range from $1,000 to $250,000, and will be determined by how quickly the information was reported, how much the information contributed to the enforcement outcome, and the seriousness of the misconduct, among other considerations. A whistleblower also could receive more than one award for the same information, with the maximum payout capped at $500,000.
Learn more about the whistleblower program, including how to submit a whistleblower tip.
We’re on Instagram
Last month, we launched our Instagram account, @BCSC_InvestRight. This is a step forward in our efforts to connect directly with younger British Columbians and build a two-way dialogue with them on a platform they already use to get information. Our research shows 43% of 18-24-year-olds and 33% of all Canadians use Instagram to help them make decisions about money.
Follow us as we share tips and tricks from InvestRight.org, as well as highlights of BCSC initiatives.
A New Look for InvestRight
We’re closing out the year with a new look. We updated InvestRight to align with our new brand colours and font. The vivid greens, blues, and greys you now see are inspired by BC’s natural landscape.
From beginners to experts, we’re here to empower BC investors. We’ll see you in the new year with more resources and tools to help you work toward a positive financial future.
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 email at [email protected]. You can also file a complaint or submit a tip using the BCSC’s online complaint form.
InvestRight.org is the BC Securities Commission’s investor education website. Subscribe to receive email updates from BCSC InvestRight.
