Complaints & Guidance

Investor Alert: Genius Funds

Winnipeg, March 1, 2010 - Manitoba Investors are being warned about a purported high yield investment fund website operator, Genius Funds, also known as Genius Investments. The Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC) advises that this Cyprus-based company is not registered to sell securities in this province.

In addition to its investments, Genius also offers individuals an opportunity to earn approximately 6% commission on any referral that results in a successful investment or a successful deposit of money through their Affiliate Program that will be paid out immediately. Individuals obtaining successful referrals should be aware that they may be in breach of the Securities Act.

The MSC is aware of at least one Manitoba investor and suspects that there may be others. If you or anyone you know is involved or looking to become involved with Genius Funds/Investment they should contact the Commission at 1-800-655-5244 or email securities@gov.mb.ca

Persons purporting to represent Genius Funds/Investments told investors they can also earn money by referring new investors to the program. They may be offered an immediate commission as well as ongoing monthly commission by recruiting additional investors.

The MSC strongly encourages investors to be cautious about any investment that bears the following "red flags:"

  • Unreasonable or guaranteed high annual returns (with little or no risk)
  • Insider tip/membership opportunity or secrecy (usually with an urgency to act quickly)
  • Money is moved offshore (references to tax avoidance)
  • Profit like the "experts"
  • Great investment opportunity ("your friends can't be wrong")
This investor alert follows a temporary order issued by the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) on 12 February alleging that the company has breached various securities laws. BCSC alleges that Genius Funds is making misrepresentations to investors because it offers a rate of return that is impossible to earn consistently through legal means.
 
The B.C. investigation is on-going but their order temporarily prohibits Genius Funds from trading in any securities or engaging in any investor relations activities in the province.
 
The Manitoba Securities Commission is a special operating agency of the Government of Manitoba that protects investors through educational programming and promotes fair and efficient capital markets throughout the province.
 

Inquiries

Len Terlinski, Investigator
Manitoba Securities Commission
204-945-2556
 

Media Inquiries

Ainsley Cunningham
Manitoba Securities Commission
204-945-4733