Search Before You Sign to Help Prevent Fraud

BCFSA Urges Consumers to “Search Before You Sign” in New Campaign Launched for Fraud Prevention Month

As consumers, we can be fast on the finger when it comes to searching online for what to order in for dinner, what on-demand movie to watch, or the best air fryer deals.

But are we equally inquisitive on our devices when it comes to choosing a real estate agent, mortgage broker, insurance company, or even a credit union?

As part of Fraud Prevention Month in March, BCFSA has launched a new campaign, “Search Before You Sign,” to help you avoid fraud during some of life’s biggest financial decisions. 

With a simple search at BCFSA.ca, consumers can verify if their real estate professional is licensed, their mortgage broker is registered, and if their insurance company, trust company, or credit union is authorized to operate in B.C.

Armed with that knowledge, consumers can proceed with confidence when buying their dream home or managing savings.

“Consumers should have every confidence in B.C.’s financial services sector, including when choosing what professional or institution to work with, and in BCFSA to maintain standards,” said Tolga Yalkin, BCFSA’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Statutory Officer. “Before making these big financial decisions, we encourage consumers to do their own due diligence by confirming the credentials of the people and companies they entrust with their hard-earned dollars. And BCFSA is here to help with that.”

By searching before signing, consumers can ensure they’re working with professionals who will be held accountable if they fail to act in their clients’ best interests and don’t follow appropriate codes of conduct set out by BCFSA.

About BCFSA

BC Financial Services Authority (“BCFSA”) is the province’s regulator for the financial services sector to help protect British Columbians during some of the most important financial decisions of their lives. As a Crown agency of the Government of British Columbia, BCFSA oversees credit unions, trust companies, insurance companies, pension plans, mortgage services, real estate services, real estate development, and money services. BCFSA also administers the Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (“CUDIC”). BCFSA has a mandate to instill confidence in the financial services sector by focusing on the safety and soundness of regulated entities and consumer protection.

Media Contact:

Candace Jones
Director, Communications
Candace.Jones@bcfsa.ca
Visit: www.bcfsa.ca