How to Judge Investing Information and Where to Verify It

The short answer

Check who produced the information, what they may gain, the date and evidence, whether risk and limitations are visible, and whether a regulated person or product can be verified through official sources.

Five questions to ask

1. Who is the source?Can the author, organization and relevant qualifications be identified?
2. What is the incentive?Is there compensation, an affiliate link, a product sale or another conflict?
3. When was it produced?Rules, product documents, fees and market information can change.
4. What evidence supports it?Look for current primary material rather than screenshots, testimonials or selective periods.
5. What risks or limits are missing?Useful information explains uncertainty and who the conclusion may not fit.

Warning signs deserve a pause

• pressure to act immediately or keep the opportunity secret;
• guaranteed returns, high returns with little risk or impossible consistency;
• selective performance without fees, risk or a suitable comparison period;
• requests to move money using unusual methods or to an unfamiliar account; and
• a person or firm whose claimed registration cannot be confirmed independently.

Use the right source for the question

Where to verify important details

• Use the CSA National Registration Search for Canadian firms and individuals.
• Use CIRO's regulated-firm, advisor and investor-alert resources where applicable.
• Use the current Fund Facts or ETF Facts for an investment fund.
• Use the provincial or territorial securities regulator for local warnings and rules.

If credible sources conflict, pause. Check whether they cover different dates, jurisdictions, products or assumptions, then return to the primary document or a qualified person who can explain the difference.