In enforcing the Alberta Securties Act, the ASC is empowered to take certain actions to protect the integrity of Alberta's capital market.
The ASC can: - impose fines known as “administrative penalties” of up to $1 million per contravention of the Securities Act, freeze assets and ban from the market those who breach the Act;
- stop companies or individuals from trading securities during an investigation;
- stop companies from trading if they fail to file the required financial information;
- pursue offenders in Provincial Court with the power to seek jail terms of up to five years less a day and fines of up to $5 million.
The ASC cannot: - get your money back;
- offer investment or legal advice;
- comment on any aspect of an investigation.
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Stop yourself from being a victim of an investment scam. It can happen to you. Follow these Scam Stopper tips to protect yourself.
- Learn how you can investigate and report a suspicious investment; and
- Understand the steps involved in filing an investor complaint.
Reporting suspicious investments
Feeling uncomfortable about an investment you’ve been considering? Not sure if you should believe your friend when he says the opportunity is too good to be missed?
Give yourself some peace of mind. Research the particular company or individual that is offering the investment. Only you can ensure that you are making an informed decision.
See our “How Do I..?” question on reporting suspicious investments.
Reporting investor complaints
If you have serious concerns about the way your investments or securities have been handled, a company you have invested in, or believe a company or individual has breached securities law, you can make a formal complaint. Find out more about the steps involved below.
See our “How Do I..?” question on filing an investor complaint.