As fraudulent investment schemes become more sophisticated, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and BDO Foundation have strengthened their collaboration to help protect the investing public through an educational campaign aimed at improving financial vigilance.
The partners recently launched a set of investor protection videos—“Check with SEC” and “Legit Investments? It’s a Date”—which highlight common red flags in fraudulent schemes and equip viewers with practical tools to identify and verify legitimate investment opportunities.
The initiative underscores the shared responsibility of the government and private sector in protecting Filipino investors. According to BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, the collaboration aims not only to prevent financial loss due to scams, but also to “build and restore confidence in legitimate investment opportunities.”
In “Check with SEC,” viewers are warned against too-good-to-be-true offers such as doubling their money monthly or being asked to deposit funds in personal accounts. The video urges the public to consult the SEC before committing to any investment.
Meanwhile, “Legit Investments? It’s a Date” educates viewers on what it truly means to invest wisely. It reminds audiences that SEC registration alone does not grant a company the license to sell investment products. Essential documents such as a permit to sell securities, order of registration, and a salesman certificate must be verified.
The videos are now available on the SEC’s official Facebook page and the BDO Foundation’s YouTube channel, and will be integrated into financial literacy training sessions and community outreach programs.
Through this public-private partnership, the SEC and BDO Foundation are sending a clear message: investor protection is a shared duty, and education is the first line of defense against financial fraud.
