New Brunswickers lost $2.5 million to investment schemes in 2012, according to the provincial securities commission.
According to the commission, most of those losses were the result of abusive and downright fraudulent activity.
Several of the schemes involved investors lending money to someone at rates of interest between 12 and 18 per cent per year, usually by way of a promissory note or written loan agreement.
There were 10 matters that were either brought before the commission or concluded in New Brunswick provincial court in 2012. The commission warns being informed is the best defence against investment fraud.