The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) is encouraging investors to use its free online service, AdvisorReport, to do background checks when selecting an advisor as part of Fraud Prevention Month.

The Canadian Securities Administrators published a similar appeal last week. The CSA is encouraging investors to participate in Check Registration Day on March 26.

IIROC’s AdvisorReport is an online tool that allows investors to research the background, qualifications and disciplinary information on advisors with whom they choose to work. It is another useful resource to help investors be better informed and conduct “due diligence” on their IIROC-regulated investment advisors.

Also, this month, over 250,000 IIROC bookmarks are being distributed throughout libraries across the country to raise awareness about this important service.

“IIROC’s mandate includes a strong focus on investor protection and we continue to develop and promote resources, like AdvisorReport, to help investors make informed decisions,” said Lucy Becker, IIROC vice president, public affairs.

IIROC offers various investor tools and resources including tutorials, webcasts and brochures which can be found online on the IIROC website.