Case Studies

Mr. F was a healthcare professional and wanted to invest his savings. He was contacted online by someone who claimed to represent online investment company Firm X. The representative said the firm offered investing opportunities with high returns and advisory services to help investors.

All investors should understand that higher potential investment returns come with a higher risk of investment losses, but most people find it much easier to consider potential investment gains than to deal with investment losses. Before committing to any investment plan with medium-to-high expected returns, consider: If your investments were to lose half their value, how would you feel? How would your short- and long-term financial well-being be impacted? Could you stick to your plan? Discuss these issues with your advisor to help them understand your risk tolerance.

At OBSI, we have seen a significant increase in complaints related to cryptocurrency and fraud. The case example below was originally published in our Consumer Bulletin: Cryptocurrency scams increasingly targeting and exploiting Canadians.

At OBSI, we have seen a significant increase in complaints related to cryptocurrency and fraud. The case example below was originally published in our Consumer Bulletin: Cryptocurrency scams increasingly targeting and exploiting Canadians.

Whenever you buy goods and services, especially for future delivery, be sure to pay careful attention to the terms and conditions of the purchase. Return and refund policies vary, so before you agree to buy, it’s important to understand what you will be entitled to if the goods are damaged, or the services are cancelled.

Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) are complex investment products that usually are invested for many years before the money can be used for a child’s post-secondary education.

If you invest through a do-it-yourself account at an order-execution-only (OEO) firm, you can pay significantly less in fees than you would to an advisor. 

If you have a debit card, you have agreed to use it subject to the obligations in the cardholder agreement you made with your bank when the card was issued. 

Unfortunately, not all frauds are committed by strangers. “Familiar fraud” refers to situations where someone who has access to the personal information and financial documents of a family member or close friend assumes their identity to gain access to money in their accounts.

Investment suitability is not determined on the basis of losses.