the CSA's warning list is the first place to look
Every year the CSA publishes warnings against brokers soliciting Canada clients without permission. Those lists are free intelligence: use them before investing, and cite them after a loss.
What the warning lists contain
Warnings name firms, websites and clone patterns observed targeting Canada. They are published precisely because complaints arrived — meaning real victims preceded every entry.
In claims, a named warning converts your loss from "investment went wrong" into "documented, warned-about fraud" — language banks and complaint bodies act on.
The gap the lists cannot close
New scam brands appear faster than warnings. That is why the register check matters more than the blacklist: no licence means no permission, regardless of warnings.
Canadian victims should report to both the CAFC and their provincial securities commission — the two reports feed different enforcement and recovery tracks.
Using warnings in a claim
If the platform that took your money appears in a the CSA warning, attach it to your the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) report and your written bank claim. It pre-empts the "you invested wisely" defence.
If it is not listed, the register check plus your evidence still carries the claim — warnings help, but registration status decides.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the official warning list?
On the CSA's website — search for "warnings" or "unauthorised firms". Beware fake "regulator" sites that scam operators create.
The firm is not on any list. Does that mean it is safe?
No. Only a licence on the official register is meaningful. Most fraud platforms never live long enough to be warned about.
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