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Investor Alert

Every day people are exploited in the financial marketplace. People fall victim to scams, frauds and con artists.

The Investor Alert pages are one of the tools on our website to help you protect yourself. We will provide you with tips and advice on how to avoid being exploited. This page will also regularly feature warnings to investors about suspicious or clearly fraudulent investment activity in PEI, the Region and throughout North America.

We depend on you to help keep other investors informed. To report suspicious activity, contact us at (902) 368-6288.

August 2, 2007
Investor Alert Warning

February 12, 2004
Unlicensed Commodities and Futures Brokers

October 2, 2003
Regulators Warn Seniors About Fraud

December 20, 2002
Money Market Warning

July 29, 2002
Investment Funds Solicitation Warning

February 18, 2002
RRSP Scam Warning

February 15, 2002
Foreign Currency Market Warning

January 31, 2002
Top Five Complaints of Investors

October 3, 2001
PEI Securities Division Provides Notices of Inappropriate Investment Activities by NB-Based Operation

April 23, 2001
Affinity Fraud: Beware of Swindlers who Claim Loyalty to Your Group

Fraud Prevention

In enforcing the PEI Securities Act, the PEISO is empowered to take certain actions to protect the investing public and the integrity of PEI's capital market.

The PEISO can:

  • impose fines known as "administrative penalties" of up to $1 million per contravention of the Securities Act, freeze assets and ban from the market those who breach the Act;
  • stop companies or individuals from trading securities during an investigation;
  • stop companies from trading if they fail to file the required financial information;
  • pursue offenders in Provincial Court with the power to seek jail terms of up to five years less a day and fines of up to $5 million.

 

 The PEISO cannot:

  • get your money back;
  • offer investment or legal advice;
  • comment on any aspect of an investigation.

 

Stop yourself from being a victim of an investment scam. It can happen to you. Follow these Fraud Prevention tips to protect yourself.

  • Learn how you can investigate and report a suspicious investment; and
  • Understand the steps involved in filing an investor complaint.

Reporting suspicious investments

Feeling uncomfortable about an investment you've been considering? Not sure if you should believe your friend when he says the opportunity is too good to be missed?

Give yourself some peace of mind. Research the particular company or individual that is offering the investment. Only you can ensure that you are making an informed decision.

Investor Watch

There's no doubt about it, getting taken for a ride really throws you off-track. Investment fraud can happen to anyone, but you can take steps to protect yourself. Most importantly, you can adopt a "buyer beware" attitude. Keep your eyes open. Know the warning signs of a scam, and keep your money safe.

Explore this section to learn about common scams and new fraud bulletins so that you're prepared for the next time you're approached with a new investment opportunity. In addition to the warnings above, here are some other scams to watch for:

  • Real Estate Investment Seminars
  • Foreign Currency Trading
  • Prime Bank Instruments
  • Commodity Contracts
  • Fraudulent Currency Contracts
  • Affinity Fraud

 

Fraud Resources

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