This summer the Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB) will be heading out across the province to share easy tips to help New Brunswickers protect themselves and their finances. This annual summer outreach program is part of FCNB’s consumer and financial literacy initiatives.
Consumers regularly interact with individuals and firms who help them through financial decisions such as getting a mortgage, buying insurance, making a purchase at their door or investing for their future. But many New Brunswickers may not realize individuals and firms they interact with, such as mortgage brokers, insurance agents and door to door sellers, need to be licensed or registered with FCNB.
“These and other industry participants that FCNB regulates handle over $30 Billion of New Brunswick consumers’ money,” said Marissa Sollows, Director of Education and Communications at FCNB. “There are requirements around education, experience and proficiency for different licences or registration categories. Licensing and registration helps protect consumers as it ensures applicants comply with the minimum entry requirements before they become licensed or registered.”
FCNB will be hosting pop-up Spend Smart Cafés at a variety of local coffee shops and participating in festivals across the province. FCNB staff will be on hand to talk with New Brunswickers about two important ways they can protect themselves by checking the license and registration of the financial professional they’re working with, and learning how to recognize and avoid common frauds and scams.
“We hear from many New Brunswickers about the new ways that scam artists are targeting people,” said Sollows. “Whether they’re using more sophisticated technologies or sale pitches, what remains the same, is the many red flags of fraud that are common across all scams. Being aware of these red flags of fraud can help protect New Brunswickers from becoming a victim.”
FCNB is encouraging New Brunswickers to come out, have a free coffee and snack with them at the cafés or stop by their booth at the festivals and engage in these important conversations. Staff will be on hand at the following locations:
- Kids Fest, Campbellton Salmon Festival, 28 June
- Lumberjack Café, St. Andrews, 9 July
- Presse Café, Edmundston, 17 July
- Sour Grapes Café, Oromocto, 18 July
- Tazza Caffe, Neguac, 23 July
- Café La Lieto, Dieppe, 24 July
- Sand Sculpture Competition, New River Beach Provincial Park, 27 July
More information is available on FCNB’s event calendar online.
“We want to help New Brunswickers confidently talk with service providers, ask questions and make informed decisions with their money,” said Sollows. “Being out in the community is an opportunity to have important conversations about the simple actions people can take to better protect themselves and their financial wellbeing.”
FCNB’s resources can help New Brunswickers quickly and easily check the registration and licensing status of many types of financial professionals, learn how to spot common red flags of scams, and sign up for email notifications about current frauds targeting the province. Visit FCNB.ca to access these and other consumer protection tools
FCNB has the mandate to protect consumers and enhance public confidence in the financial and consumer marketplace through the provision of regulatory and educational services. It is responsible for the administration and enforcement of provincial legislation regulating mortgage brokers, payday lenders, real estate, securities, insurance, pensions, credit unions, trust and loan companies, co-operatives, and a wide range of other consumer legislation. It is an independent Crown corporation funded by the regulatory fees and assessments paid by the regulated sectors. Online educational tools and resources are available at www.fcnb.ca.