For Immediate Release
Check Before You Invest: Manitoba Securities Commission Challenges Investors to Fight Fraud on Check Registration Day 2014
Winnipeg, MB; March 18, 2014 – March 19, 2014 is Check Registration Day in Canada, and The Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC) is asking investors across the province to stand up against investment fraud by checking that their financial adviser or firm is registered to do business in Manitoba.
“Checking the registration of anyone offering a securities product is something every investor should do before making a financial decision,” says Doug Brown, Director of Legal and Enforcement for The Manitoba Securities Commission. “A bit of research into the people you are trusting with your money can go a long way toward avoiding becoming a victim of investment fraud.”
Manitoba investors can easily find out if a firm or individual is registered to sell securities by following the four-step process at RecognizeInvestmentFraud.ca, where they can also check the discipline history of their adviser and find out if a product, company or person has been cease traded. The Manitoba Securities Commission will only register firms and individuals that meet specific qualifications and standards.
Check Registration Day is a national initiative led by the Canadian Securities Administrators as part of Fraud Prevention Month. The MSC advises all investors to keep the following tips in mind to prevent becoming a victim of investment fraud:
Investors who believe that they have been approached by an investment fraud are encouraged to call the MSC tip line at 1-855-FRAUD-MB to file a complaint or speak with an investigator.
The Manitoba Securities Commission is a division of the Manitoba Financial Services Agency, a Special Operating Agency of the Government of Manitoba that protects investors and promotes fair and efficient capital markets throughout the province.
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Media Contact Information:
Kevan Hannah
Manitoba Securities Commission
204-945-1513
kevan.hannah@gov.mb.ca
