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Recognizing a Scam

Do any of these sales pitches sound familiar? Investment fraud schemes are always changing, but most include one or more of these red flags. Check below for common tactics used by scam artists.

 
If you suspect a scam, report it.
Call us toll-free at 1-877-785-1555, or e-mail inquiries@osc.gov.on.ca.


 Click on any of these red flags or tactics that may have been used to catch your attention:
Promises of high-return, low-risk investment opportunities
Unsolicited calls
Loans to access locked in RRSP funds
Promotion of offshore tax havens
Unregistered salesperson
Offer of free seminars and workshops
Tax-savings or tax-shelters
Opportunities to invest in a company that's about to go public.
Requests for help in transferring funds
Unsolicited e-mail messages, also known as "spam"
Swap worthless stocks for recognised blue chip stocks
Investment is limited to accredited investors but exceptions will be made for you
Promise of huge profits with little effort
Non-disclosure agreements
Schemes involving recruiting of others
High-pressure sales tactics
Requests for personal information
Company's purported 'track record'
Use of confusing financial jargon


Learn more:
Types of scams
Investor Alerts

Related brochures:
Protect your money: Avoiding frauds and scams in PDF
Investment fraud on the internet in PDF



 
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