ALBERTA SECURITIES COMMISSION REVEALS FAUX-SCAM CAMPAIGN
By Adnews Staff
The Calgary-based Alberta Securities Commission ran an anonymous ad in rural newspapers in the province during April. The ad was part of the commission's Investor Education Month effort. Its purpose was to show Albertans how easy it is to be deceived by fraudsters and scam artists. "This campaign is intended to show Albertans that, although the opportunity may sound good, you never know who is behind the advertisement," said Dave Linder, executive director of the commission. "The ad we ran provides a reasonable example of the anonymity and convincing nature that many fraudsters will try to use." The ad read, "Tired of Low Interest Rates? Need a Better Investment? Earn 36% or more per year. Guaranteed! No Risk!" A toll-free number was included for readers to request a free information package. The material received by the callers was an investor education package intended to help them identify and avoid investment fraud. It contained a copy of the ad, a letter, a fact sheet and a brochure. Joni Delaurier, communications co-ordinator for the ASC, said the commission used a third party to take the calls generated by the ad and send out the packages. Consultation on the development of the campaign was provided by Parallel Strategies of Calgary.