B.C. Securities Commission launches year three of province-wide Be Fraud Aware Campaign

VANCOUVER, Oct. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - The British Columbia Securities Commission today launched the third year of its Be Fraud Aware campaign. The goal of the campaign is to educate British Columbians about the dangers of investment fraud, and to encourage people to report suspicious financial activity. This phase of the campaign includes four new television commercials that will air throughout the province; a new financial literacy partnership with the Vancouver Canucks; and an updated mobile app.

"We chose to do the Be Fraud Aware campaign in order to educate those most vulnerable about investment fraud," said BCSC Chair Brenda Leong. "This year we are showing the public how empowered investors can protect themselves from fraud and take responsibility for their financial futures."

The new series of commercials continues to feature David, a suave, obviously successful fraudster, who attempts to use his persuasive powers to con people out of their money. However, in this campaign, he meets his match in Jean, a savvy senior who sees through David's lies about "high returns and no risk" and ridicules his pitch in front of other potential victims.

"One of the worst things we see is fraudsters actively targeting seniors, so we wanted to show a member of that community confidently rejecting the lies of a seasoned con man," said Leong.

The Canucks partnership will involve the BCSC working with the Canucks to provide a variety of investor education, financial literacy and business seminars to Canucks staff, affiliates and business partners. The partnership will also include joint projects involving fans and B.C. high school students.

"Partnering with the Canucks is a great new way for us to reach investors of all ages, and we're thrilled to be assisting the Canucks organization by also educating their staff and business partners," said Leong.

The Be Fraud Aware campaign began in 2011 with a focus on the Chinese and South Asian communities. Since then, the BCSC has seen an increase in reporting from communities throughout the province. The updated Be Fraud Aware mobile app makes it even easier for people to report fraud or suspicious activity. The app is available for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.

The BCSC is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating trading in securities within the province.

For media inquiries, please contact Richard Gilhooley, media relations, 604-899-6713.

For public inquiries, please call 604 899 6854 or 1 800 373 6393 (toll free).

Learn how to protect yourself and become a more informed investor at www.investright.org

SOURCE: British Columbia Securities Commission

Richard Gilhooley
604-899-6713 or
(Canada)  1-800-373-6393