News Release

Vancouver – In support of Fraud Prevention Month, the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) today launched its “Fraudster Fighter Tool Kit”, an investor protection resource available on befraudaware.ca. The Tool Kit contains links to the BCSC’s Be Fraud Aware mobile app, guides on how to be an informed investor, and helpful videos on a variety of topics. Most importantly, the Tool Kit links to a form people can use to report a suspected fraud.

“The Fraudster Fighter Tool Kit contains information and tools that investors can use to learn how to recognize, reject, and report investment fraud,” said Brenda Leong, BCSC Chair and CEO. “We need investors to report suspicious activity to us as early as possible so we can disrupt it before investors are harmed.”

In addition to the Tool Kit launch, the BCSC’s award-winning Be Fraud Aware advertising campaign was renewed on February 23. The commercials, featuring David the fraudster and Jean the informed investor, will run for the remainder of March.

“The commercials are an integral part of our efforts to fraud-proof British Columbians by changing their attitudes and beliefs about investment fraud and their own vulnerability,” said Ms. Leong. “We have found that the humour of the commercials is an effective way to draw attention to this serious issue.”

Throughout Fraud Prevention Month, the BCSC will also be conducting further research into investment fraud. Results will be shared at the end of March. Research on fraud vulnerability among seniors and pre-retirees conducted by the BCSC in 2012 showed that many investors have unrealistic expectations about market returns, and do not understand the fundamental relationship between risk and reward.

Launched in 2011, the goal of the multi-lingual Be Fraud Aware campaign is to educate British Columbians about the dangers of investment fraud, and to encourage people to report suspicious investment activity. Since 2011, the BCSC has seen an increase in reporting from communities throughout the province.

About the British Columbia Securities Commission (www.bcsc.bc.ca)

The British Columbia Securities Commission is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating capital markets in British Columbia through the administration of the Securities Act. Our mission is to protect and promote the public interest by fostering:

• A securities market that is fair and warrants public confidence
• A dynamic and competitive securities industry that provides investment opportunities and access to capital

Media Contact:
Richard Gilhooley, Media Relations
604-899-6713

Public inquiries:
604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393 (toll free)

Learn how to protect yourself and become a more informed investor at www.investright.org