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4 signs of investment fraud

2 min read

4 signs of investment fraud

1. You are promised high returns with little or no risk

In general, higher-risk investments offer higher potential returns, and lower-risk investments offer lower returns. This is known as the risk-return relationship. When you buy investments like stocks, there’s no guarantee you’ll make money. And the risk of losing money increases with the potential return. Investments that are considered low risk typically have returns similar to GIC rates. If your expected return is higher than this, you’re taking more risk with your money. Learn more about the risks of investing.

2. You get a hot tip or insider information

The sources of “hot tips” or “insider information” don’t have your best interests in mind. Think about why they’re offering you tips, and how they benefit by telling you about them. If the hot tip is false, you will lose your money if you act on it. If it is really inside information about a public company, it would be illegal to act on it under insider trading laws.

3. You feel pressured to buy

Scammers frequently use high-pressure sales tactics – because they want to get your money and then move on to other victims. If you’re asked to make a decision right away, or are presented with a limited time offer, it’s likely not in your best interests. Scammers know that if you have time to check things out, you may not fall for their scam.

4. They’re not registered to sell investments

Before you invest, check the registration and background of the person offering you the investment. In general, anyone selling securities or offering investment advice must be registered with their provincial securities regulator.

Check registration through the Canadian Securities Administrators’ (CSA) National Registration Search.
Check their background to find out if they have been in trouble with a securities regulator using the CSA’s Disciplined Persons List.

Take action

Use our Scam Spotter tool to learn how to spot the warning signs of fraud, and to learn how to protect yourself from suspected scams.

Warning

4 signs of a scam:

High returns and low risk
Hot tip or insider information
Pressure to buy now
Seller not registered to sell investments