October 27, 2008 Organization

Montréal – The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is participating in the campaign "To protect your identity on the Internet," organized by the Institut de sécurité de l’information du Québec (ISIQ). The campaign, which starts today, is intended to raise awareness among consumers and investors about safe Internet practices and identity theft.

The AMF has decided to be part of the campaign given that more and more Quebeckers conduct banking services on-line and that electronic services extend as well to investments, particularly through discounts brokers.

"Many consumers and investors appreciate the speed and low cost of on-line transactions. Unfortunately, far too many are enticed by what appear to be exceptional opportunities on the Internet. It's important to remind them to be on their guard. The more this message is conveyed, the more consumers and investors will be protected. The message is clear: If it's too good to be true … it probably is," noted Anne-Marie Poitras, Superintendent, Client Services and Compensation at the AMF, at the launch of the campaign.

Over the coming weeks, AMF representatives will tour the province as part of the campaign. "The AMF supports this ISIQ initiative, which will help remind Québec consumers and investors that they must be cautious when conducting financial transactions on-line and any attempts at fraud or identity theft should be reported," added Ms. Poitras.

Various information tools prepared by the AMF are available free of charge to protect consumers and investors against fraud. They include brochures such as "Watch out for securities fraud" and "Redflagging financial fraud."

The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec's financial sector.

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