Some companies are raising money by offering “digital tokens”— a form of crypto asset that often allows you to access a product or service that a company plans to offer in the future — to the public. These offerings are commonly called “initial coin offerings” (ICOs), “initial token offerings” (ITOs), and “token generation events.”
While digital tokens have become a useful way for some companies to raise money, outcomes for people who have bought these tokens have been mixed at best.
Many tokens don’t generate any returns at all
Despite the popularity of digital tokens, they are not guaranteed to increase in value, often do not give you any rights as a purchaser and likely do not represent an ownership stake in the company. Many tokens don’t generate any returns at all and fail.
There are many reasons why a digital token could fail. The company may fail to raise enough money or attract enough community interest to follow through on its business plan. Even if they attract money and community interest, the company might fail to translate their business idea into reality—they may run into tech problems, run into problems keeping their management team together, or realize that their idea is not commercially viable.
Don’t assume that buying a digital token will make you money.
Three ways to protect yourself from fraud
The buzz around digital tokens has attracted fraudsters to the market, peddling fake businesses and services by branding them as digital investment opportunities. For instance, fraudsters have taken money from investors by claiming to offer digital tokens linked to the value of, among other things, fake real estate and diamonds.
1. Do your research
Finding a legitimate company with a smart business idea that understands the regulations to protect you as an investor means doing your own research. Before buying a digital token, ask yourself the following questions:
- What does the token get you? Make sure you understand what the token does and what it gets you. As an investor, what rights do you have? For example, does the token have a purpose? If the token gives you access to products and services, when will this access be available? Also, beware of companies promising guaranteed increases in value or warning that you should buy now to avoid “missing out”—these are both red flags of fraud.
- Does the business model make sense? Fraudsters may try to sound legitimate by using technical jargon or buzzwords, without actually explaining what they will do with your money.
- Where is the company and who’s on the business team? Run a web search to see if you can find the location of the company and the people on the company’s team—fraudsters may use stock photos to construct fake management teams. Think about whether they have relevant experience, and check to see if there’s a way you can contact them directly. If you can’t contact the team or they can’t answer your questions, beware.
Some token offerings may be illegal
Be cautious – some digital token schemes may be illegal. Contact your local securities regulator for more information. In Ontario, contact the OSC.
2. Be skeptical
Review marketing materials for digital tokens with a skeptical eye. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Message boards, social media, and blogs may help you learn more about a particular digital token — however, there’s no guarantee that posts on these channels are impartial. People linked to a company offering digital tokens may post positive information on these forums to try and generate interest in their tokens. They may aggressively promote the offering, exploiting people’s fear of missing out to create an urgency around the need to buy. Also, information could be outdated or inaccurate by the time you come upon it.
Do your research and make sure your questions are answered before you buy.
Registration with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities may be required to sell digital tokens to the public. Visit CheckBeforeYouInvest.ca to learn more.
3. Contact the Ontario Securities Commission
The Ontario Securities Commission’s Inquiries and Contact Centre is available to answer your questions related to the regulation and legitimacy of crypto assets and digital tokens. You can also contact the OSC to report suspected frauds.
Summary
Digital tokens are a kind of crypto asset. There’s no guarantee that a digital token will increase in value. Stay safe from investment fraud by:
- Researching the company before you buy.
- Learning about the company’s business model, who’s on the company board, and what the token gets you.
- Review digital token offerings with a skeptical eye. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Contact the Ontario Securities Commission if you suspect fraud.
