[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1602824706638{padding-top: 45px !important;padding-bottom: 45px !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_single_image image=”5101″ img_size=”medium”][vc_single_image image=”6400″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″][vc_custom_heading text=”To stop investment fraud, you need to understand it.” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]What’s lurking behind those smiles and their smooth sales pitch? Fraudsters follow a series of steps that are easy to identify. Knowing the playbook will help you see what’s under the surface.
Below is a quick look at the seven steps that take you inside the mind of a scammer and their schemes. To take a deeper dive into the steps download the full guide here:[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download the Fraudster’s playbook” style=”custom” custom_background=”#96386b” custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcheckfirst.ca%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F10%2FFraud-Playbook-V4a-digital-8.5×9.25-2022.pdf|target:_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1602822359642{padding-top: 45px !important;padding-bottom: 45px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_single_image image=”5082″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1602820595723{margin-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”1″ font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23edb51e” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”font-bely number” css=”.vc_custom_1602820179931{border-top-width: 7px !important;border-right-width: 7px !important;border-bottom-width: 7px !important;border-left-width: 7px !important;border-left-color: #edb51e !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #edb51e !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #edb51e !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #edb51e !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Identify potential victim(s) for the scam” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”15″][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602820994443{border-top-width: 15px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #edb51e !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What THEY do:
Start communicating, including using family and friends.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602822578754{border-top-width: 15px !important;padding-left: px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #edb51e !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What YOU can do:
Be wary of someone who gets too close too quickly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_btn title=”View video for Step 1″ style=”custom” custom_text=”#edb51e” size=”lg” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-angle-down” add_icon=”true” custom_onclick=”true” custom_onclick_code=”toggle_target(‘#step1vid’,this)”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”15″ el_class=”hidden” el_id=”step1vid”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1584530889184{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/469053573″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1602822369890{padding-top: 45px !important;padding-bottom: 45px !important;}”][vc_column width=”7/12″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”2″ font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%233dbbb3″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”font-bely number” css=”.vc_custom_1602822726247{border-top-width: 7px !important;border-right-width: 7px !important;border-bottom-width: 7px !important;border-left-width: 7px !important;border-left-color: #3dbbb3 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #3dbbb3 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #3dbbb3 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #3dbbb3 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Befriend and earn trust” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”15″][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602822793509{border-top-width: 15px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-top-color: #3dbbb3 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What THEY do:
Provide advice to establish reputation as a reliable authority.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602822800717{border-top-width: 15px !important;padding-left: px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-top-color: #3dbbb3 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What YOU can do:
Don’t automatically trust a new acquaintance that comes through a friend, family member or community.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner][vc_btn title=”View video for Step 2″ style=”custom” custom_text=”#3dbbb3″ size=”lg” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-angle-down” add_icon=”true” custom_onclick=”true” custom_onclick_code=”toggle_target(‘#step2vid’,this)”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”15″ disable_element=”yes” el_class=”hidden” el_id=”step2vid”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1584530889184{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_video][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1602820595723{margin-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”5092″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1602822401878{padding-top: 45px !important;padding-bottom: 45px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_single_image image=”5093″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1602820595723{margin-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”3″ font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23d86aa5″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”font-bely number” css=”.vc_custom_1602822980651{border-top-width: 7px !important;border-right-width: 7px !important;border-bottom-width: 7px !important;border-left-width: 7px !important;border-left-color: #d86aa5 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #d86aa5 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #d86aa5 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #d86aa5 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Drop hints or showcase the benefit of an “investment” opportunity” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”15″][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602822987031{border-top-width: 15px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #d86aa5 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What THEY do:
Flaunt wealth and success while frequently talking about how it was achieved.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602822993295{border-top-width: 15px !important;padding-left: px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #d86aa5 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What YOU can do:
Don’t let the promise of wealth impress you — it may not be real, or funded by money stolen from others.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner][vc_btn title=”View video for Step 3″ style=”custom” custom_text=”#d86aa5″ size=”lg” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-angle-down” add_icon=”true” custom_onclick=”true” custom_onclick_code=”toggle_target(‘#step3vid’,this)”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”15″ disable_element=”yes” el_class=”hidden” el_id=”step3vid”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1584530889184{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_video][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1602822414214{padding-top: 45px !important;padding-bottom: 45px !important;}”][vc_column width=”7/12″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”4″ font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2383c996″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”font-bely number” css=”.vc_custom_1602823063707{border-top-width: 7px !important;border-right-width: 7px !important;border-bottom-width: 7px !important;border-left-width: 7px !important;border-left-color: #83c996 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #83c996 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #83c996 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #83c996 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Offer the potential investment opportunity” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”15″][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602823072999{border-top-width: 15px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-top-color: #83c996 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What THEY do:
Create a sense of urgency or intimacy to make the offer more attractive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602823079704{border-top-width: 15px !important;padding-left: px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-top-color: #83c996 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What YOU can do:
Always do your own research, no matter who recommends the investment, and don’t be rushed into any investment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner][vc_btn title=”View video for Step 4″ style=”custom” custom_text=”#83c996″ size=”lg” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-angle-down” add_icon=”true” custom_onclick=”true” custom_onclick_code=”toggle_target(‘#step4vid’,this)”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”15″ disable_element=”yes” el_class=”hidden” el_id=”step4vid”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1584530889184{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_video][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1602820595723{margin-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”5094″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1602822442150{padding-top: 45px !important;padding-bottom: 45px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_single_image image=”5095″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1602820595723{margin-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”5″ font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2353c3c0″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”font-bely number” css=”.vc_custom_1602823163803{border-top-width: 7px !important;border-right-width: 7px !important;border-bottom-width: 7px !important;border-left-width: 7px !important;border-left-color: #53c3c0 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #53c3c0 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #53c3c0 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #53c3c0 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Receive money for the investment” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”15″][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602823179817{border-top-width: 15px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #53c3c0 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What THEY do:
Frequently communicate with the potential target and respond quickly until money is handed over.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602823185952{border-top-width: 15px !important;padding-left: px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #53c3c0 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What YOU can do:
Don’t invest until you have done your research, have satisfactory answers to all your questions and fully understand the opportunity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner][vc_btn title=”View video for Step 5″ style=”custom” custom_text=”#53c3c0″ size=”lg” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-angle-down” add_icon=”true” custom_onclick=”true” custom_onclick_code=”toggle_target(‘#step5vid’,this)”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”15″ disable_element=”yes” el_class=”hidden” el_id=”step5vid”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1584530889184{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_video][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1602822457908{padding-top: 45px !important;padding-bottom: 45px !important;}”][vc_column width=”7/12″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”6″ font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23a98bc1″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”font-bely number” css=”.vc_custom_1602823278182{border-top-width: 7px !important;border-right-width: 7px !important;border-bottom-width: 7px !important;border-left-width: 7px !important;border-left-color: #a98bc1 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #a98bc1 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #a98bc1 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #a98bc1 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Disappear (the Ghosting Act)” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”15″][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602823288137{border-top-width: 15px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-top-color: #a98bc1 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What THEY do:
Reassure that money will be available at a later date, then ignore the target and stop responding to inquiries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602823299649{border-top-width: 15px !important;padding-left: px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-top-color: #a98bc1 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What YOU can do:
Contact the ASC right away if you suspect something is not right — don’t isolate yourself. Reach out for support.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner][vc_btn title=”View video for Step 6″ style=”custom” custom_text=”#a98bc1″ size=”lg” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-angle-down” add_icon=”true” custom_onclick=”true” custom_onclick_code=”toggle_target(‘#step6vid’,this)”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”15″ disable_element=”yes” el_class=”hidden” el_id=”step6vid”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1584530889184{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_video][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1602820595723{margin-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”5096″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1602822527671{padding-top: 45px !important;padding-bottom: 45px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_single_image image=”5097″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1602820595723{margin-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”7″ font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23f27c9d” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”font-bely number” css=”.vc_custom_1602823413317{border-top-width: 7px !important;border-right-width: 7px !important;border-bottom-width: 7px !important;border-left-width: 7px !important;border-left-color: #f27c9d !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #f27c9d !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #f27c9d !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #f27c9d !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Target the victim again (the Recovery Act)” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”15″][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602823355938{border-top-width: 15px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #f27c9d !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What THEY do:
Contact the victim and offer to reclaim the investment for a fee. Then disappear again.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1602823363058{border-top-width: 15px !important;padding-left: px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #f27c9d !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What YOU can do:
Don’t be fooled by recovery agencies or individuals who contact you saying they can recover your money for a fee.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner][vc_btn title=”View video for Step 7″ style=”custom” custom_text=”#f27c9d” size=”lg” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-angle-down” add_icon=”true” custom_onclick=”true” custom_onclick_code=”toggle_target(‘#step7vid’,this)”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”15″ disable_element=”yes” el_class=”hidden” el_id=”step7vid”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1584530889184{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_video][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1602824706638{padding-top: 45px !important;padding-bottom: 45px !important;}”][vc_column width=”4/12″][vc_custom_heading text=”Knowledge is power” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”8/12″][vc_column_text]If you understand these steps, you’ll be able to recognize and avoid scams and be able to take action no matter the situation you find yourself in. Remember:
- No one cares more about your money than you.
- Anyone can be a target.
- Identify. Avoid. Prevent.
- Report it!
Part of a healthy financial future means doing your research and taking care of your money. Make sure you Increase your knowledge about finance, investments and how to manage your money through every stage of your life.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Take the quiz” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Now that you’ve started to understand the steps and what you can do to avoid fraudsters’ tactics, why not take a quick quiz and test yourself. You might be surprised at what you find out![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Take the “Don’t be fooled by fraud“ quiz” style=”custom” custom_background=”#8ccfc7″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcheckfirst.ca%2Fresources%2Fquizzes%2Finvestment-fraud-playbook-quiz%2F”][vc_custom_heading text=”See the full playbook” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Want to learn more? Discover the steps fraudsters rely on and learn how to help your friends, family and yourself stay clear from investment fraud. Download the full guide below:[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Don’t be fooled by fraud: a guide to protecting your hard-earned money” style=”custom” custom_background=”#96386b” custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcheckfirst.ca%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F10%2FFraud-Playbook-V4a-digital-8.5×9.25-2022.pdf|target:_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1602828397890{background-color: #f7f6f4 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”We’re here to help” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]
If you feel you or someone you know has been offered a suspicious investment or may be a victim of investment fraud, don’t hesitate to contact the Alberta Securities Commission.
[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Contact the ASC” style=”custom” custom_background=”#4b5d72″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcheckfirst.ca%2Fcontact%2F|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTNFJTIwJTBBalF1ZXJ5JTI4ZG9jdW1lbnQlMjkucmVhZHklMjhmdW5jdGlvbiUyOCUyOSU3QiUwQSUwOWpRdWVyeSUyOCUyNy5oaWRkZW4lMjclMjkuaGlkZSUyOCUyOSUzQiUwQSU3RCUyOSUzQiUwQWZ1bmN0aW9uJTIwdG9nZ2xlX3RhcmdldCUyOHRhcmdldCUyQ2VsJTI5JTdCJTBBalF1ZXJ5JTI4dGFyZ2V0JTI5LnNsaWRlVG9nZ2xlJTI4JTI3c2xvdyUyNyUyOSUzQiUwQWpRdWVyeSUyOGVsJTI5LmZpbmQlMjglMjdpJTI3JTI5LnRvZ2dsZUNsYXNzJTI4JTI3ZmEtYW5nbGUtZG93biUyMGZhLWFuZ2xlLXJpZ2h0JTI3JTI5JTNCJTBBJTdEJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
