The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick is warning New Brunswickers about a scam using phony websites for a fake credit union in Centreville, NB.
Scammers are cold calling people claiming to represent the “Carleton Credit Union,” which they allege is based in Centreville, NB and are soliciting investments. No such credit union is registered with the Commission and an entity using that business name is not registered to deal or advise in securities or derivates in New Brunswick.
During the calls, the scammers point to fake websites designed to lend legitimacy to their investment offers. Three websites have been discovered to date using variations of the fake credit union name:
- carletoncn.com
- carltoncreunion.com
- carltonpioneercru.ca
All three list the address of the “Carleton Credit Union” at 3143 Main St., Centreville, NB – this is the actual address of the Brunswick Credit Union, a legitimate registered credit union in New Brunswick. The Commission has notified the Brunswick Credit Union of the scam.
How to protect yourself
- Never provide personal, credit card or banking details in response to unsolicited phone calls or messages, and do not enter those details on any website if you are not certain the site is genuine.
- Before making any investment, give yourself permission to pause and ensure the person or entity is licensed or registered with the Commission. It does not matter if the person or entity is based in the province or not. If they do business in New Brunswick, they must be licensed or registered with the Commission. This applies whether the business is done in person, in writing, online or over the phone.
- For credit unions operating in New Brunswick, the Commission provides corporate registry services. A list of incorporated credit unions in New Brunswick can be found here.
- To check if an individual or firm is registered to deal or advise in securities or derivatives in New Brunswick, use the National Registration Search tool.
- Don’t rush a decision or be pressured to invest your money.
- Seek the advice of a registered financial professional.
Anyone who suspects they may have been a victim of this fraud should report it to the Commission by calling 1-866-933-2222, emailing info@fcnb.ca, or online by visiting fcnb.ca.