Media Advisory - CheckFirst.Ca(fé) - Alberta Securities Commission Helps Protect Albertans From Getting Burned by Investment Fraud

CALGARY, Feb. 25, 2015

WHAT:	It's time to wake up and smell the coffee. March is Fraud Prevention Month, and the unfortunate reality of investment fraud in Alberta is considerable – 30 per cent of Albertans believe they have been approached with a possible fraudulent investment.
	Bad investments aren't always obvious, but the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) is here to help. The ASC is bringing the CheckFirst Café, a pop-up coffee shop, to Calgary, reminding Albertans to "check before they invest". The CheckFirst Café is part of the ASC's CheckFirst.ca campaign, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of doing your homework before making important investment decisions.
	On the morning of March 5, the CheckFirst Café will take over popular Calgary coffee shop, Café Rosso, to serve customers 'Lost Dream Lattes,' 'Fraud-accinos' and other complimentary investment-themed early morning pick-me-ups. The first 100 customers will also receive a free CheckFirst Café mug. Most importantly, the ASC will be on site to educate Albertans on how to avoid getting burned by investment fraud and the importance of checking investment registration.
	The CheckFirst.ca campaign is part of a province-wide initiative to educate Albertans on how to protect themselves, their money and their financial future from investment fraud. Becoming an informed investor is important – and taking the first steps to check out an investment can be done in the time it takes to finish a cup of coffee.
WHO:	Alison Trollope, Director, Communications & Investor Education, Alberta Securities Commission
	www.CheckFirst.ca
WHEN:	Thursday, March 5, 2015
	7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
	*Media are requested to arrive between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
WHERE:	Café Rosso (Stephen Avenue location)
	140 8 Avenue SE
*PHOTO OP:	Alberta Securities Commission staff and ambassadors will be on hand to educate customers about investment fraud and give out complimentary investment-themed coffee, tea and treats at the uniquely branded CheckFirst Café pop-up shop.

SOURCE Alberta Securities Commission

Sophie Pilon, Brookline Public Relations, Phone: [phone] ext. 110, Email: [email protected]