Investor Alert: Accredited International and Accredited FX

CALGARY, Feb. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) is warning Alberta investors to exercise caution if approached by Accredited International or Accredited FX (Accredited), a purported foreign exchange (Forex) and commodity dealer located in Costa Rica.

The Commission has received information that Accredited has solicited Albertans to invest in gold and Forex investments, with possible returns of 30 to 50 per cent. Accredited is not a reporting issuer in Alberta, is not registered with the ASC to sell securities and has not made any filings with the ASC.

The ASC notes several red flags in connection with Accredited's sales approach, including:

• unrealistically high returns;
• money sent offshore;
• money must be paid up front; and
• pressure to act quickly.

To help the ASC protect investors, anyone who has been approached by Accredited is asked to contact the ASC Public Inquiries office at 1-877-355-4488 or [email protected].

For more information on how to recognize scams and how to make informed investing decisions, visit the ASC website at www.albertasecurities.com.

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

For Media Inquiries:
Lorinda Brinton 
Senior Communications Advisor
403-297-2665

For Investor Inquiries:
ASC Public Inquiries
Toll Free 1-877-355-4488