Alberta Securities Commission Issues 2026 Investor Warning: Top Three Fraud Tactics to Watch
The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) has issued a warning to local investors about three increasingly sophisticated and misleading fraud tactics: deepfakes, private messaging scams, and misleading advice from financial influencers. Investors are reminded to watch out for these tactics in 2026.
Deepfakes and AI-Impersonations
Fraudulent investment promotions using AI-generated images, videos, and audio are surging. These deepfakes often impersonate political leaders, well-known Canadians, or Alberta business figures to endorse crypto and investment schemes.
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Investors should be cautious of ads, websites, or posts featuring public figures promising quick or guaranteed returns.
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Scammers also clone voices and create realistic likenesses of financial advisors and finfluencers to mislead investors during webinars or online presentations.
Private Messaging Apps
Fraudsters are increasingly turning to platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to lure victims. After attracting attention through ads or social media, they invite investors into group chats that promise exclusive perks and guaranteed investment returns.
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Once inside, scammers exploit trust by encouraging members to invite family and friends, creating a false sense of credibility.
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These interactions often lead to pump‑and‑dump schemes or crypto scams.
Finfluencers and Unregistered Advice
Digital creators promoting investments online may blur the line between education and unlicensed advice. Many finfluencers monetize their content through affiliate links or paid agreements.
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) have reminded finfluencers and firms that anyone offering investments or personalized advice must be registered with a provincial regulator, such as the ASC, and comply with securities regulations when posting investment information online.
Investor Self-Protection
The ASC urges Albertans to pause before acting on online offers, verify registrations, and conduct independent research. Fraudsters often rely on urgency, trust, and perceived credibility to pressure investors into quick decisions.
Learn more about scams by asking a question on BrokersView.
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