The Canadian Securities Administrators issued an investor alert urging Canadians to speak with older adults about a growing wave of artificial intelligence and social media investment scams that target seniors, tied to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June 2025. The CSA highlighted that fraudsters are using AI to make ads, images, voices and online profiles appear legitimate, including through personas built on social media and dating or friendship apps. The alert advises avoiding investment opportunities promoted online, particularly those claiming celebrity or political endorsements or offering easy or quick returns, and treating online “investing groups” with caution, especially when communications are moved into private chat groups such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Discord. It also flags risks where new online connections probe for financial details or pressure victims with fear-based messaging, and reminds investors that anyone offering investments must be registered with a provincial or territorial securities regulator, with registration checks available through AreTheyRegistered.ca. The CSA further notes that investment firms and their advisers are required to ask clients to name a Trusted Contact Person, and advises against sending money to anyone not met in person or whose identity cannot be confidently validated.

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