Alberta Securities Commission (ASC)
The Alberta Securities Commission is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province’s securities laws. At WSAC, we share the ASC’s mission: to foster a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and protect investors.
UPDATES FROM OUR FRIENDS AT ASC
As part of our commitment to financial wellness and seniors’ fraud prevention, we’re excited to partner with the ASC to bring you valuable resources and updates. From time to time, we’ll be highlighting investment tips and fraud alerts from their organization to help you make informed decisions and stay safe from financial scams.
Below is the update from the ASC!
January 2026
Each year brings with it new investing trends, platforms and opportunities. And with any exciting top-of-mind trend or event comes an often-overlooked risk: Fraudsters. According to the ASC, early warning signs point to three technology-driven tactics that could significantly shape the 2026 scam landscape in Alberta: deepfakes, the next wave of finfluencers, and the growing use of private messaging apps, like WhatsApp and Telegram, to promote investment opportunities. In our January edition, we’ve included tools and resources to help you recognize new red flags and stay one step ahead in 2026.
Top investment scams to watch for in Alberta in 2026: How AI-driven scams are shaping investment fraud
Each year brings with it new investing trends, platforms and opportunities. And with any exciting or top-of-mind trend or event comes an often-overlooked risk: Fraudsters. They are also paying close attention to the next big thing that can make their scams more attractive.
According to the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC), early warning signs point to three technology-driven tactics that could significantly shape the 2026 scam landscape in Alberta: deepfakes, the next wave of finfluencers, and the growing use of private messaging apps, like WhatsApp and Telegram, to promote investment opportunities.
This month’s article outlines the most common AI-driven investment scam tactics Alberta investors may encounter in 2026 and how to spot and avoid them.
How Canadians are investing is changing: Here’s what you should know
Younger investors are entering the market earlier and relying on digital tools to guide their decisions, while older Canadians are adjusting how they manage retirement income as life expectancies, and living and care costs, continue to grow.
This article was originally published on the Alberta Securities Commission’s (ASC) investor education website CheckFirst.ca. The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province’s securities laws. It is entrusted with fostering a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and protecting investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate, and harmonize the regulation of Canada’s capital markets.
Upcoming workshops and events
Virtual event – DIY investing fundamentals in partnership with the Edmonton Public Library
Monday, February 9, 2026 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Self-directed investing is becoming increasingly popular with new and long-time investors. Join us as we walk through assessing if this investing approach is right for you and the fundamentals to opening a trading account, researching and trading investments and avoiding common DIY investing mistakes.
Provided in partnership with Alberta Securities Commission (ASC), the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province’s securities laws. Their mission is to foster a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and to protect investors.
The link for this event will be sent to all registered customers in the reminder email sent out 24 hours before the event.
Investment Terms Fun Fact
What is considered a takeover bid?
A takeover bid happens when an investor or company offers to buy at least 20% of a company’s voting shares, often with the goal of gaining control. These bids can be friendly (welcomed by the company) or hostile (opposed by the company’s management).
Investment Caution List
Did you know The ASC provides a searchable list of companies and individuals that are not registered in Alberta but appear to be engaging in activities that require registration under Alberta securities laws, or may be an investment scam.