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What to Do if Think are a Victim of Investment Fraud

If you suspect that you are a victim of investment fraud, take action by reporting us immediately.

Take These Steps if you Think You’re an Investment Fraud Victim

  • Stop Sending Money or Cryptocurrency
    If you suspect an investment opportunity is fraudulent, do not send any additional money or cryptocurrency.   

    Be cautious of anyone who claims they can recover your lost money for a fee. Investment fraud victims are often targeted a second time through Recovery Room Schemes that promise to recover losses but are scams themselves.
  • Gather and Save Evidence
    Collect and preserve as much information as possible about the suspected investment scam and people involved. This may include: 
    • Emails, texts, chat messages, and other conversations 
    • Screenshots of websites, advertisements, and social media posts
    • Account statements and transaction records 
    • Wire transfer receipts or payment confirmations 
    • Cryptocurrency automated teller machine (ATM) receipts 
    • Crypto wallet address(es)  
    • Names, phone numbers, email addresses, and website URLs  
    • Notes about conversations and/or meetings
  • Contact Your Financial Institution
     If you transferred money or crypto, notify your bank, credit union, credit card provider, or cryptocurrency platform immediately.  

    While not guaranteed, financial institutions may be able to stop or reverse transactions in some situations.   
  • Protect Your Accounts and Personal Information
     If you gave personal, banking, or account information:
    • Change your passwords
    • Enable multi-factor authentication if available
    • Monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity
    • Review your credit reports regularly 
  • Report Investment Fraud to the BC Securities Commission
    If you are a B.C. resident, or the suspected investment scam involves a person or company from B.C., report it to us immediately. Even if you’re unsure if what happened was investment fraud, contact us.  

    Web: https://www.bcsc.bc.ca/report-to-us
    Phone: 604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393 (toll free across Canada) 
    Email: inquiries@bcsc.bc.ca 

    Our Contact Centre team can help via phone or email between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The information you provide may help protect yourself, other investors, and can support investigations into fraudulent activity.  

Beware of Recovery Room Schemes

After experiencing investment fraud, you may be contacted by individuals or companies claiming they can recover your money or crypto. 

They may pose as lawyers, regulators, recovery specialists, or government representatives. They may ask for an upfront fee before providing assistance. 

Be cautious of anyone promising recovery of investment losses. Never send money or crypto to someone guaranteeing they can recover your funds. 

Impacts of Investment Fraud

Investment fraud can have a significant financial and emotional impact. Many victims experience feelings of embarrassment, anger, stress, or isolation. 

Remember: 

  • Investment fraud can happen to anyone.
  • Professional-looking websites, fake testimonials, and convincing sales tactics make some scams difficult to spot.
  • Reporting what happened is an important step to protect yourself and others.

HealthLinkBC has resources available if you are seeking mental health support.

Other Organizations That Can Help

The BC Securities Commission investigates matters involving investments and the securities market in British Columbia. Depending on the circumstances, you may want to contact the following organizations. 

BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA): BCFSA oversees credit unions, trusts, insurance companies, pension plans, mortgage services, real estate services, and real estate development marketing. BCFSA also administers the Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (CUDIC). 
Consumer Protection BC: For concerns involving non-investment consumer scams or transactions that fall outside the BC Securities Commission’s mandate.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): The CAFC collects information on fraud and cybercrime across Canada and shares intelligence and complaints with law enforcement agencies. 
Contact credit reporting agencies: TransUnion and/or Equifax, if you are concerned that your personal information has been compromised and you wish to review your credit file or place a fraud alert.  
Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO): If your concern involves the conduct of a CIRO-regulated investment dealer, mutual fund dealer, or registered representative, you may also wish to file a complaint with CIRO.
In addition, the Government of BC maintains a list of professional regulatory authorities.