Learn how to spend smart, spend safe during Fraud Prevention Month

Insurance Fraud Certified at Koyal Group

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – Consumers are encouraged to learn how to spend smart and spend safe during Fraud Prevention Month. The Financial and Consumer Services Commission is providing resources to New Brunswickers to help.

"Whether you are shopping at the mall or making purchases online, you should be looking at how you can spend smartly and safely," said Andrew Nicholson, director of education and communications with the commission. "During March, we will be offering tips and free resources to help empower you to make the right financial decisions, no matter where or how you are spending your money."

Commission staff will be available at several home shows, scam jams and presentations around the province during the month. The schedule is online.

"Sometimes we need a reminder to think twice before handing over our hard-earned money," said Nicholson. "Protecting your money can be as easy as asking questions about return policies before you buy or checking the licence or registration of someone selling you insurance or investments. We can take small, but important, steps to protect ourselves."

Each week of the month has a theme reflecting the activities taking place:

– March 8 – International Women's Day event: Pathways to Empowerment, Delta Brunswick Hotel, 39 King St., Saint John.

– March 11 – Too Good To Be True Day. New Brunswickers will be encouraged to use the hashtag #2Good2BTrue to get tips and information from Fraud Prevention Forum members across Canada on recognizing and avoiding frauds and scams. Follow the commission on Twitter: @4NBInvestors.

– March 19 – Check Registration Day. New Brunswickers will be encouraged to check the registration of their financial adviser. Checking registration is a quick and easy first step you can take to protect your investments. Scam jams are scheduled in Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton this week.

The commission encourages New Brunswickers to take the time now to improve their financial health. Find free tools and resources on spending and saving, investing, insurance, pensions and more online.

The Financial and Consumer Services Commission regulates, educates and protects consumers and investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices. It brings together regulatory authorities for securities, insurance, pensions, consumer affairs, co-operatives, credit unions, caisses populaires and loan and trust companies. It is an arm's-length Crown corporation funded by the fees and assessments paid by the regulated sectors.