News Release

Released: 11/01/01 Contact: Andrew Poon
NR 01-54 604-899-6880 or
(BC & Alberta) 1-800-373-6393

Vancouver -- The B.C. Securities Commission and Seniors' Foundation of B.C. are teaming up to offer a free seminar on avoiding investment scams.

Representatives from the securities commission will be in Surrey and Vancouver to show seniors how to protect themselves and their investments from frauds and unscrupulous salespeople. Learn how to identify an investment scam, how to check out the background of a financial adviser and how to determine if an investment is suitable for your circumstances.

"Our goal is to give investors the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and safeguard their life's savings," said Doug Hyndman, BCSC chair.

"Each year the BCSC hears from many seniors who bought investments that were sold with misleading information. We want to show you how to prevent that from happening to you."

Scheduled for Tuesday, November 6 and Thursday, November 8, the Investigate Before You Invest portion of the seminars offer general tips and insight on how to avoid getting conned or making inappropriate investments. The seminars also feature experts on financial planning, tax laws and memorial services.

The seminars begin at 9 a.m. and will be held at the Eaglequest Golf Club in Surrey and the Coast Plaza Hotel at Stanley Park in Vancouver. People can get more information by calling the B.C. Senior's Foundation at 604-685-4403.

The B.C. Securities Commission is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating trading in securities and exchange contracts within B.C.

What: Free Investor Protection Seminar
When/Where: 9 a.m. Tuesday, November 6/Eaglequest Golf Club, Surrey
9 a.m. Thursday, November 8/Coast Plaza Hotel at Stanley Park, Vancouver