News Release

Vancouver – The British Columbia Securities Commission is pleased to announce today the launch of its redesigned website  which focuses on helping investors protect themselves from scams, avoid unsuitable investments and make informed investment decisions.

“The plethora of Ponzi schemes and investment fraud over the past couple of years has made the public painfully aware of how easy it is to get caught up in a bad investment,” says Patricia Bowles, director, communications and education.

“We decided to provide more information on the types of research people should do to avoid such a trap.  In addition, we have included a section on high-risk investment products and one on investing in the private companies to help people better understand the risks involved before making their investment decisions.”

InvestRight.org also gives investors relevant information on how to make informed decisions, sets out questions they should be asking about their portfolios and provides advice on how to choose an investment advisor.

Here are some of the highlights: 

• A comprehensive, interactive Guide to Investing: How to make informed investment decisions  
• Current news and blog posts focused on investor protection and financial literacy
•  New content to help people monitor and understand their investments
• An expanded section that focuses on recognizing and avoiding fraud and scams
• Video and multimedia offerings on a variety of investor education topics
• Current investor research, Chinese-language resources and useful links
• Interactive worksheets and brochures available for download  

Meteorologist Mark Madryga will be on hand to introduce InvestRight.org to the public on CKNW from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Pacific Centre Mall Rotunda in Vancouver. People are welcome to come to the site to try out the website, meet with BCSC staff, and learn more about the BCSC’s investor education initiatives to kick off Investor Education Month in October.

The BCSC is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating trading in securities within the province. The BCSC sets the rules for securities trading in B.C., makes sure people comply with those rules and takes enforcement action when necessary. The BCSC also educates investors to help them protect themselves from investment fraud and unsuitable investments.

If you have questions, contact Ken Gracey, media relations, 604-899-6577.

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