ASC'S fraud prevention campaign highlights "There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch" when investing

The Alberta Securities Commission offers a free lunch to Edmontonians while providing key steps to protect against investment fraud

EDMONTON, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - One in three Albertans report being approached with a possible fraudulent investment. In conjunction with Fraud Prevention Month in March, the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) has developed a campaign to educate the public with three key steps anyone can take to decrease their chances of becoming a victim of investment fraud: Check, protect, invest.

Earlier this month, the ASC launched Checkfirst.ca, complete with a quiz to educate Albertans about the risk for investment fraud. In support of the initiative, the ASC will take over the Smokehouse BBQ food truck on 102 Street and MacDonald Drive NW at noon today to offer Edmontonians a free sandwich and encourage them to make use of the ASC's online resources.

"No lunch is free - including today's," says Alison Trollope, Director, Communication and Investor Education for the ASC. "In return, we are asking Albertans to take a few moments of their day to visit the Checkfirst.ca website and learn what they can do to help protect their financial future by avoiding investment fraud."

The campaign encourages the public to take a three-step approach:

• First, check registration of the firm or individual offering the investment;
• Second, protect their hard-earned money by asking the right questions and understanding the potential risks involved; and
• Only then should investors take the third step - to invest.

To get started, investors can visit www.checkfirst.ca. While Fraud Prevention Month runs during March, the ASC is available year-round to educate Albertans about making informed investment choices at www.albertasecurities.com.

About the ASC
The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws.  It is entrusted with fostering a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and with protecting investors.  As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.

SOURCE: Alberta Securities Commission

Media Contact:
Paula Worthington
Brookline Public Relations
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