March is Fraud Prevention Month. In this issue of Investor News, we're providing information on how you can better protect yourself against investment fraud.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we share important investment fraud prevention tips during the month using the hashtag #FPM2018.

Recognize, Avoid and Report Fraud

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your money by recognizing these four common signs of investment fraud and learning four ways to avoid investment scams. Fraudsters may use sophisticated tactics, but investment fraud is easier to spot when you know what it looks like.

If you suspect investment fraud, please contact the OSC immediately. You may help us stop the fraudsters and prevent them from finding new victims.

Fraudulent Investments

Fraudsters will try to disguise fake investment opportunities as legitimate products and services. Learn about some of the types of fraud schemes used by fraudsters such as boiler room and pump and dump scams.

The Canadian Securities Administrators, which includes the OSC, have banned short-term binary options to better protect investors from binary options fraud. The ban makes it illegal to advertise, offer, sell or otherwise trade binary options shorter than 30 days. For more information on binary options fraud, and tips on how to protect yourself, please visit BinaryOptionsFraud.ca.

Fraudsters will often use their targets’ group identity to gain their trust. They often volunteer with the group, attend social events for that particular group and may build relationships with group leaders to gain acceptance and endorsement. Learn more about affinity fraud.

Check Before You Invest

Always check the registration of any person or business trying to sell you an investment or give you investment advice. Registration helps protect you from unqualified or fraudulent individuals.

Visit CheckBeforeYouInvest.ca to learn more. You can also call us toll-free at 1-877-785-1555 if you're ever in doubt.

Teletownhalls are a way for the Investor Office to connect with thousands of Ontarians at a time. Teletownhalls work much like a call-in radio show where OSC staff provide information, answer questions and conduct live polls over the course of one hour.

Our upcoming teletownhall in March is being held as part of Fraud Prevention Month and will focus on recognizing and preventing different types of investment fraud. Join us on March 14 from 6:30-7:30 pm EDT to learn more about spotting some common scams and ask OSC experts your fraud-related questions. Register here

Ask Us An Investing Question

We're here to help. We know that investing and the investment world can be complex. If you have a question about investing, head over to our Re: Investing website. Browse through the hundreds of investor questions we've already answered or ask your own questions to get clear, unbiased answers from a trusted source. Ask us an investing question

Financial Elder Abuse

Everyone has a role to play in identifying and preventing financial elder abuse. Find out how you can identify financial elder abuse and what you can do if you suspect that you or someone you know is a victim. Learn more

Rezwealth Financial Services Inc. Matter - Claims Process

The Civil Remedies for Illicit Activities Office (CRIA) of the Attorney General of Ontario issued a notice related to funds forfeited in relation to activity in contravention of Ontario's Securities Act that occurred between August 22, 2006 and December 31, 2009.

Victims of the specific unlawful activity that lead to this forfeiture may submit a claim for compensation.

All completed claims must refer to Notice 564-17 and be received by CRIA no later than 5:00 PM EST on May 18, 2018.

Read the notice for more information.