The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) is kicking off March’s Fraud Prevention Month with its “CheckFirst Café,” a pop-up coffee shop.

The café is a part of the ASC’s ongoing “CheckFirst” campaign to help Albertans avoid investment fraud and point them to resources they can use to protect themselves and their money.

“When it comes to investing, knowledge is power – it is vital that Albertans take the time to do their homework before investing,” said Alison Trollope, director, communications and investor education for the ASC. “Many people don’t know how to check out an investment or where to look for resources on how to become an educated investor.”

According to a recent ASC survey, only one quarter of Albertans have ever checked the background of a person selling or offering them investments. In addition, 28% of Albertans are unaware that introductions to suspected fraudulent investments commonly come from friends, neighbours, co-workers or family members.

The CheckFirst Café recently made its debut at the Calgary Home and Garden Show, with a follow-up appearance scheduled for the Edmonton Home and Garden Show between March 19 and 22. At these events, ASC representatives are on hand to educate visitors about the importance of doing research and asking the right questions before investing.

The CheckFirst Café will also take over a Calgary coffee shop on the morning of Mar. 5. Customers will be treated to “lost dream lattes”, “fraud-accinos” and other complimentary investment-themed beverages, while receiving information on how to check into investments.