Clock is ticking for fraud victims

Victims of an investment fraud scheme involving a day trading school and software firm Welcome Place Inc. have three months to make compensation claims.

In 2016, the Ontario Securities Commission reached a settlement agreement with Mississauga, Ont.-based Welcome Place and various individuals regarding illegal distribution and unregistered trading violations that included almost $3 million in disgorgement.

Over $900,000 has been collected by the regulator, which is available to be returned to investors.

Now, according to a notice from the Civil Remedies for Illicit Activities Office (CRIA) of the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario — which is administering the forfeited funds — victims in the case have until Dec. 6 to file claims for compensation.

CRIA said that direct victims of the misconduct involving violations of securities law that took place between March 2008 and May 2013 “are entitled to make a claim for compensation.”

An adjudicator will determine whether a victim is eligible for compensation and the amount to be awarded.

All claims will be reviewed before compensation is awarded, and paid out on a pro-rata basis.

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.