[vc_section css=”.vc_custom_1709056697007{margin-top: -45px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}” el_id=”back-to-top”][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1708042119365{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1708614259667{padding-top: 10vh !important;padding-right: 6vh !important;padding-bottom: 10vh !important;padding-left: 6vh !important;background: #d9a459 url(/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/yellowBG-33-1.png?id=8161) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”cn-responsive-column”][vc_column_text el_class=”cn-header-text”]
31 Common Investment Scams and Red Flags
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”cn-header-text”]Investment scams are more common than you might think. But as an informed investor, you have the power to protect your financial future. With the right resources and tools, you can avoid falling victim to fraud.
This interactive guide is designed to empower you with knowledge about the common investment scams impacting Albertans.
Don’t let fraudsters take advantage of you and your hard-earned money. Build your confidence — learn to recognize, avoid, and report investment fraud.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1708614265075{padding-top: 6vh !important;padding-right: 6vh !important;padding-bottom: 6vh !important;padding-left: 6vh !important;background: #62bcb0 url(/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/blueBG-34.png?id=8160) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_btn title=”Download Infographic” style=”flat” shape=”round” color=”white” align=”center” el_class=”cn-button” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F02%2F31CommonInvestmentFraudRedFlagsandScams.pdf|title:Investment%20Fraud%20Infographic|target:_blank”][vc_btn title=”TAKE QUIZ” style=”flat” shape=”round” color=”white” align=”center” el_class=”cn-button” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fiysydcmnku4.typeform.com%2Fto%2FFPogrPaC|title:Take%20Quiz|target:_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708044484657{border-bottom-width: 2vh !important;padding-top: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”cn-subheader-text”]Explore the tiles below to learn more about each scam and red flag. If you feel you have encountered one, don’t hesitate to contact the Alberta Securities Commission at the bottom of the page.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_hoverbox image=”8055″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]Firms and trading platforms holding custody of your money or investments or facilitating the trade of your investments must be registered in the provinces and territories where they do business.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_hoverbox image=”8056″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#bc7165″]People selling investments and giving investment advice in Canada must be registered with securities regulators in the provinces and territories they do business. Registration indicates that the individual is properly qualified to sell securities and lets you know the range, breadth and depth of advice and products they can offer.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_hoverbox image=”8057″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#d1a665″]
Fraudsters exploit the openness and trust fostered through dating apps and other social media platforms. They escalate the seriousness of the relationship, using phrases like “I love you” and quickly take an interest in a victim’s financial circumstances to help them better tailor the scam to their needs. Some romance scams have fraudsters steal smaller sums of money over a longer time, slowly draining the victim of a larger amount with the illusion that the funds are going to an investment that will yield a bigger return.
[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_hoverbox image=”8058″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]Fraudsters recognize the trust that financial institutions, registered firms and trading platforms have with investors. An alarming trend is rising in which fraudsters create websites that imitate registered firms and trading platforms. Investors should be mindful of the websites they find online. Confirm the registration through CheckFirst.ca/check-reg, and contact the firm to verify its website address.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_hoverbox image=”8059″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#bc7165″]Any unprompted investment that comes to you should be taken with a high degree of skepticism. Fraudsters work hard to promote enticing offers using online ads, direct messages, emails, phone calls and in-person discussions with potential victims, tailoring the scam with the personal information they obtain.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_hoverbox image=”8060″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#d1a665″]Fraudsters may advertise an affiliate scheme with incentives or bonuses to investors for enrolling friends and family into the “investment opportunity.” This approach allows the fraudsters to reach more potential victims and steal more money quickly. [/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8061″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]One of the most popular tactics fraudsters use is promoting their “investment” as a surefire way to generate guaranteed returns with little to no risk to investors. Remember that a higher level of risk can lead to higher potential returns but also greater losses – there are no guarantees. [/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8062″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#bc7165″]Fraudsters will commonly sell their scams as exclusive one-time offers that victims must keep secret. The goal is to make the victim fear missing out on the “once in a lifetime” opportunity, while keeping the details of the investment hidden from others who may alert the victim that they are involved in a scam.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8063″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#d1a665″]Often promoted as a way to invest in another country and avoid paying Canadian taxes on your investments, offshore platforms may not be registered or could be fraudulent. If an investment requires you to send money overseas, it may be impossible to get it back.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8064″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]Fraudsters use social media, messaging apps and online forums to promote crypto offers and fraudulent crypto platforms. Once they see initial interest, they work quickly to provide a crypto opportunity to potential victims.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8065″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#bc7165″]When selling investment and crypto scams, fraudsters will commonly ask for funds to be wire transferred to them or for you to purchase crypto from a registered trading platform and transfer it to their personal wallet or fake platform. Either method leaves no option for investors to get their money or crypto back or to trace where it went.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8066″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#d1a665″]Fraudsters often try to play on the fears or anxieties you may have in missing out on the next big thing. Recognize that any investment offer playing off of your human vulnerabilities should be avoided. [/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8067″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]Fraudsters may act like they have inside knowledge of how a company will perform in the future. Fraudsters commonly use this tactic to generate investor excitement in a fake investment or promote a stock in which they are heavily invested. Once the stock peaks, the fraudster will cash out, making the stock plummet in value.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8068″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#bc7165″]Fraudsters may use celebrity images without their consent or create deepfakes (AI-generated images, videos, and audio) to sell investment scams as being credible. Celebrities may also endorse unregistered platforms or dubious investments with little concern for investors’ well-being.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8069″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#d1a665″]A common tactic for fraudsters is to infiltrate a group or organization to promote scams to select members. Once members invest, the fraudster will provide early but fake returns, establishing a false sense of credibility. The fraudster will suggest the unknowing victim share the investment offer with friends and family for additional incentives or to grow the returns. Those offered are more inclined to invest because it comes from someone they know and trust.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8070″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]Be mindful of investing websites that guarantee appealing returns or have spelling mistakes, stock photography, complex jargon or limited info. Often times, these websites will outline minimum deposits needed from investors. Always verify it is a legitimate site from a registered firm by checking registration at checkfirst.ca. CheckFirst.ca before sending any money.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8071″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#bc7165″]Binary options trading is all-or-nothing wagers on how an asset like a currency or stock will do in a given period. Promoting or trading a binary option, which matures in 30 days or less, to an individual is prohibited. Always verify the individual or firm is registered at CheckFirst.ca.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8072″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#d1a665″]Often promoting investment opportunities to attendees, fraudsters use high-pressure sales tactics to get victims to invest with them. Investments offered may be inappropriate for the investor’s risk level or they could be fake, with the unregistered individual taking the investor’s money and disappearing. [/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8073″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]Fraudulent trading platforms and scam artists may request remote access to a potential victim’s computer or for them to screen share under the guise of helping them invest. While providing remote access or screen sharing, the fraudster will steal personal information, including banking information, credit card numbers and passwords. Never allow anyone to remote access in or view your personal data.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8074″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#bc7165″]Avoid any crypto investment offer from online acquaintances or love interests that come unprompted. Be mindful that fraudsters use emotionally manipulative tactics to create elaborate crypto investment offers that lead you to “invest” more over time. It is strongly advised that you do not send any money or crypto assets to someone you have not met in real life.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8075″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#d1a665″]Based on the legitimate but complex investing practice of foreign currency trading, fraudsters create fake forex trading platforms in foreign jurisdictions, making it extremely difficult for victims to recover losses or deal with a possible dispute. [/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8076″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]Fraudsters often link their investment scam to emerging sectors, current events or the next big thing in order to hook (or grab the attention of) more victims. Thoroughly review the legitimacy of the investment and seek advice from a registered professional if needed.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8077″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#bc7165″]Targeting those who lost money in a previous investment scam, recovery room scams involve fraudsters acting like they are part of a recovery agency or law enforcement helping to recover a victim’s money or investment from the original scam. Neither their services nor the fees are legitimate.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8078″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#d1a665″]A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors. Ponzi scheme organizers often promise to invest your money and generate high returns with little or no risk. However, the fraudsters actually keep the money themselves, and use it to lure more people into the scheme. [/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8079″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]In this scam, fraudsters “pump” or create and promote false information and hype around an investment they are heavily invested in. Once shares hit their peak, fraudsters stop promoting the stock and “dump” their shares for a large return, crashing the stock’s value for others. Pump and dump schemes are often promoted on social media or in chat groups and online messengers like Telegram, Reddit, X.com and WhatsApp.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8080″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#bc7165″]In this scam, a team of fraudsters operate a business or call centre to cold call “investors” who are usually victims of other investment scams to invest in a fake or falsely promoted stock. High-pressure sales tactics are used to get targets to invest.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8081″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#d1a665″]Unregistered crypto trading platforms may not have the typical investor protections as a registered platform or operate within regulatory compliance. Fraudulent crypto trading platforms are commonly unregistered, with any money deposited in them impossible to withdraw. [/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8082″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]Promissory notes are a form of debt that a company may issue to raise money. In return, investors receive their investment back and interest over a specific period. Remember, promissory notes are not generally sold to the public and returns can’t be guaranteed. Always verify the legitimacy of any promissory note offer as well as the company issuing it.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8083″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#bc7165″]Fraudsters may impersonate credible agencies or law enforcement. Any unsolicited contact from someone asking you to send money should be avoided. Contact the agency directly to validate any information given to you.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8084″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#d1a665″]Investment offers that sound unrealistic, unsustainable or offer outrageous returns with little to no risk could be fraudulent and should be reviewed thoroughly. Generally, the higher the level of potential return, the higher the level of risk you are taking.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1708048861004{margin-bottom: 2vh !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_hoverbox image=”8085″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”custom” hover_custom_background=”#79bab0″]Avoid platforms that promise returns through the use of trading bots, including those who claim to use artificial intelligence. 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If you suspect you have approached with an investment scam or think that a person or company breached securities laws, contact the Alberta Securities Commission.
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