The B.C. Securities Commission and the Better Business Bureau of Mainland B.C. are teaming up next week to warn investors and consumers about con artists and fraud in the market place.

The two watchdog organizations will be delivering a joint presentation in Nelson (Feb. 5) and Rossland (Feb. 6), in co-operation with the Nelson Credit Union. The seminar, open to the public, will give people tips about how to protect themselves from ever-present scams, as well as investments and purchases that are ill-suited for them.

“This team is a natural,” said BCSC Executive Director Steve Wilson. “Both of our organizations are in the business of educating people to protect themselves against con artists who separate people from their hard-earned money. It makes sense for us to work together to get our messages to the public we serve.”

Valerie MacLean, BBB vice-president of consumer affairs, will be talking about her organization’s annual survey of the Top 10 Scams and how people can avoid becoming victims.

“There is a lot people can do for themselves,” said MacLean, a former RCMP officer who has become a leading consumer advocate in the province. “And as an organization, the BBB offers resources consumers can use to set up their first line of defence against con artists and poor purchases.”

The West Kootenay seminars are part of a province-wide series the B.C. Securities Commission is holding throughout B.C. this year. For more information about possible seminars in your area, please contact the BCSC Inquiries Line at (604) 899-9854 or outside the Lower Mainland at 1-800-373-6393.