March is Fraud Prevention Month, and the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is undertaking numerous activities to help people learn how to recognize, reject and report fraud.

Anyone can become a victim of fraud, and scammers often take advantage of current events or high levels of investor interest in a sector to find new victims, and separate them from their hard-earned money. The OSC is encouraging people to do their homework, learn to spot the red flags of fraud and protect their money. Learn more

Telephone Townhall on March 10

Join our March 10 telephone townhall on protecting your money from pandemic-related frauds and scams. Our telephone townhalls connect with thousands of Ontarians at a time, in the comfort of their own home, and 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. Register today 

Common Investment Scams

Investment scams can come in all shapes and sizes. Fraudsters may try to take advantage of current trends and uncertainty, and many scams are often variations of existing ones. Protect your money by recognizing these 8 common investment scams.

Checking Registration 

Registration helps protect you from unqualified individuals. In general, any person or business trying to sell you an investment or give you investment advice must be registered with their local securities regulator, such as the Ontario Securities Commission. Visit CheckBeforeYouInvest.ca

Are you ready to invest? Will you work with an advisor or do-it-yourself? Find out if you have achieved certain financial milestones before taking your first investing steps. Take the Investor Readiness Quiz 

How Mutual Funds Work

A mutual fund is a collection of investments, such as stocks or bonds, managed by a professional money manager. When you buy a mutual fund, you’re pooling your money along with other investors. Learn more

The OSC recently announced three new members of its independent Investor Advisory Panel (IAP) following a public application process. The new IAP members are Brigitte Catellier, Ivy Lam and Supriya Kapoor. Their appointments are effective April 1, 2021.

The IAP advises and comments on proposed rules, policies and investor protection initiatives, while considering the views of a broad range of investors through consultation with investors and organizations representing investors. Learn more

Visit the New OSC.ca

Last week, the OSC launched a new website, OSC.ca. Along with a refreshed visual experience, the site includes features that make it easier for visitors quickly and simply find the information they need, including:

• expanded search functionality
• enhanced site navigation
• mobile friendly and responsive design
• streamlined content
• consolidated instruments

Many of these enhancements respond to feedback from stakeholders during consultations on reducing regulatory burden and improving the investor experience. The OSC will continue to update and enhance the website, and welcomes your ongoing feedback. Please use the Feedback Form in the website footer to submit your comments.

Do-It-Yourself Investing

Do-it-yourself or self-directed investing has grown in popularity. You build and manage your own investment portfolio and decide when to buy and sell. There are potential benefits like lower costs, but you'll also be responsible for doing your own research and developing an investment strategy that meets your financial needs. Learn more

Twitter Chat

The OSC will host a financial fraud prevention Twitter Chat on March 22, 2021 at 1 p.m. alongside guests from law enforcement, regulatory partners, and community and industry organizations.

Follow the OSC’s investor education Twitter handle, @smarter_money, for the latest information. We'll be using the hashtags #FraudChat and #FPM2021.