Check First
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Check First 

Asking the right questions about investing can help you make an informed decision as to whether an investment is right for you. Each year, one in 20 Canadians is a victim of fraud.

Take a look at the information below, click on the questions and watch the videos to find out what you need to know before you invest so it doesn’t happen to you. The videos found within the questions are in a Windows Media Player format; if you require a QuickTime format click here.

Ask the right questions, Click on each question to learn more

How do I check out an investment

Rushing into an investment because it seems like a great opportunity can spell financial trouble. That's why it's important to do your research first, no matter how persuasive the pitch. Start with a background check, and make sure you know all the red flags of investing. Still have questions? ASC can help you find the answers.

PlayVideo

When Lynn thought an investment opportunity sounded suspicious, she called ASC for more information. Hear what she has to share with other potential investors. (0:57 min)

Check First Tools:
  • Do a background check.
  • Red Flags
  • See if an individual or
        company is registered.
    • Helpful Resources:
  • The Top Ten Investing Mistakes
        (PDF)
  • Protecting Your Money (PDF)
  • Investment Fraud on the Internet
        (PDF)
  • Investing Basics: Getting Started
        (PDF)
  • When Your Broker Calls (PDF)

    • How much should I invest to achieve my goals?

    No one can tell you exactly how much you need to invest. You need to consider a variety of things, including the dates you have set for achieving your goals, the amount of each goal, and how comfortable you are with risk. The ASC can give you the knowledge you need to spot the right investment for you. Take a look at the resources below.

    PlayVideo

    Figuring out how much you need to invest to reach your goals can be tricky. See how Russ explains his own risk assessment. (1:11 min)

    Check First Tools:
  • How much risk can you
        tolerate?
  • Doubting a recent
        investment?
    • Helpful Resources:
  • Budget Worksheet (PDF)
  • Net Worth Worksheet (PDF)
  • Start with the Basics (PDF)
  • Investment Planning Worksheet
        (PDF)
  • Investments at a Glance (PDF)

    • Is this investment too good to be true?

    When it comes to investing, the old adage is usually true: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. ASC can help you spot the red flags that signal an unsafe investment, and point you to some resources to help you make solid investment decisions. Take a look below.

    PlayVideo

    Hear how Russ' suspicions about a 'get-rich-quick' investment led him to call ASC for more information, and saved his financial future. (1:54 min)

    Check First Tools:
  • Could your investment be
        a scam?
  • Red Flags
  • Investor Watch
    • Helpful Resources:
  • Protecting Your Money (PDF)
  • Red Flags of Investment Fraud (PDF)
  • Avoiding frauds and scams (PDF)

    • When is the best time to invest?

    Like so many things in life, the answers to this question are different for everyone. Talking about 'timing' means more than whether you should invest now or later – you should also consider which stage of life you're in, what's happening in the economy right now, the time of year you're thinking of investing, and the time it will take to reach your goal. We can provide a wealth of resources to help you find the answers for yourself, so that when you do invest, the time is right for you.

    PlayVideo

    When a caller offering a potential investment opportunity started to turn on the pressure, Lynn began to question their motives. Find out why this popular tactic raised some red flags. (1:20 min)

    Check First Tools:
  • Courses and other online
        materials
  • Red Flags
  • Getting kids started
    • Helpful Resources:
  • Budget Worksheet (PDF)
  • Investing Basics: Getting Started
        (PDF)
  • Questions to Ask When Choosing
         an Adviser (PDF)

    • Whose advice should I take about investing?

    When you're thinking about investing, it can seem like everyone is full of advice. The question is, how do you know if it's any good? The Alberta Securities Commission can help you find the answers you need. Take a look at the fact sheets and resources below, and find out what you need to learn before you hand over your money.

    PlayVideo

    Russ had a feeling something wasn't right about an investment opportunity, so he called ASC for more information. Learn how we helped him ask the right questions. (1:23 min)

    Check First Tools:
  • Do a background check.
  • See if an individual or
        company is registered.
  • Courses and Resources
  • Red Flags
  • Scam Stoppers
  • Sign up for investor alerts
  • CSA Disciplined Persons
        List
    • Helpful Resources:
  • Choosing a Financial Adviser (PDF)
  • Start with the Basics (PDF)
  • Working with a Financial Adviser
        (PDF)
  • Investor Charter of Rights (PDF)
    		•

    Tell us what you think.

    Want to watch the videos in Quicktime? Click here.

    Having trouble viewing the videos? Email checkfirst@asc.ca.