ALERT - ALERT - ALERT
Affirming that the COVID-19 pandemic creates a "context particularly conducive to fraudsters", the Autorit des marchs financiers (AMF) on Monday launched an awareness campaign to help Quebecers recognize scammers who could try to scam them .
Several prevention messages will be broadcast on television, on the web and on social networks between April 6 and May 25.
"Fraud prevention is at the heart of our mission and we believe it is important to issue certain reminders in this particularly difficult period that we are going through," Louis Morisset, Chairman and CEO of the AMF, said in a statement.
“Despite the current pandemic, the Authority maintains all of its services and continues to make every effort to be able to intervene in the event of fraud or violation of the laws it regulates”, added Mr. Morisset.
Three types of fraud related to the COVID-19 crisis have recently been reported to the AMF in recent weeks.
Fraudsters have reportedly used social media in particular to suggest that people invest in so-called companies involved in the prevention or treatment of the coronavirus, promising "high returns" and speaking of an "unprecedented opportunity" for them. investors.
Scammers have also used classifieds sites to post jobs that appear legitimate, but the sole purpose of which is to successfully extract personal and banking information from people who apply.
Finally, other fraudsters would take advantage of people's concerns to send them emails or texts warning them about their investments or personal finances. Using a hyperlink sent to their victims, scammers want to be able to install malware on their computer or cell phone.
The AMF asks people to be extremely careful about offers that may sound too good to be true.
"Before investing, it is particularly important to ask questions, do some research and check whether the person offering the investment is registered with the AMF," said the AMF.