Understand how your beliefs can affect your investment choices
Scam artists rely on you to react a certain way based on your beliefs, cultural, religious, or political. Your beliefs lead you to make assumptions and scam artists will feed on these to gain your trust. In order to protect yourself, you need to understand how scam artists can use your beliefs and assumptions against you. Try our scam meter or check out the five common red-flags of investment scams to learn more.
Read these CSA brochures to learn more about avoiding frauds and scams:
Know yourself
Once you understand how your beliefs put you at risk of becoming a scam victim, you need to use other self-knowledge to help you properly decide what investments are suitable for you. You need to develop an investment strategy and investment objectives, which includes knowing your risk tolerance. You can use this Investment Planning Worksheet 
from the Canadian Securities Administrators to help create your financial plan.
top
Know your investment
Once you know yourself, you need to assess if the investment matches your needs. Do the characteristics of the investment fit with your risk tolerance levels and investment goals? To help you do this you should understand the basic types of investments and perform a background check on any company you are thinking of investing in.
Know your adviser
If you rely on others to find investments that match your investment needs, it is important you know them and ensure that they have the proper education and experience to assess your investment options. Properly choosing your financial adviser and doing a background check on each candidate are critical steps.
Call the BCSC
If you are unsure of any of these topics or need further guidance, then contact the BC Securities Commission.
top
Help Avoid Scams
Spot the Red Flags