The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has re-launched “Check before you invest,” a campaign encouraging consumers to pay closer attention to their investments and avoid fraud.

“Most consumers make their major financial decisions for the year during RRSP season, so this is a crucial time to get all the information you need before committing to an investment,” says OSC Vice Chairman Lawrence Ritchie. “Being an informed investor is one of the best ways to protect your money, and our resources can help you ask the right questions before you invest.”

From January through March, the OSC will reach out to consumers through community presentations, trade show exhibits, transit and radio ads and public service announcements in select communities throughout Ontario. Consumers are encouraged to visit www.checkbeforeyouinvest.ca to read free, educational guides on investing topics and to learn about common types of investment scams and their warning signs.

The OSC first ran its “Check before you invest” campaign from October 2006 until the end of March 2007, resulting in a 10% increase in website visits over the previous year. During that time, OSC staff representatives spoke face-to-face with 11,872 consumers throughout Ontario through trade show exhibits and community presentations.