Village Connect
In a move to strengthen financial literacy and protect the investing public, BDO Foundation and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have come together with a shared goal: to educate Filipinos and help them steer clear of fraudulent investment schemes. Both institutions believe that knowledge is a powerful defense against deception, especially in an age where scams have become increasingly sophisticated and convincing.
The collaboration birthed two insightful and engaging videos that aim to equip Filipinos with tools to recognize and avoid suspicious investment offers. These videos, titled “Check with SEC” and “Legit Investments? It’s a Date”, use humor, storytelling, and relatable situations to drive home a critical message—before investing, do your homework and verify legitimacy with proper authorities.
Scams often come in the form of promises that are too good to be true: guaranteed high returns, quick doubling of money, and aggressive recruitment schemes. “Check with SEC” presents these red flags in the form of a catchy music video, teaching viewers to question offers that seem overly generous or urgent. It reminds viewers that real investment opportunities rarely promise easy or guaranteed profit.
BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito emphasized that financial literacy isn’t just about saving or budgeting—it’s also about protecting oneself from scams. “This initiative empowers people to make informed decisions and helps build trust in real, legitimate financial options,” he said, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to investor education.
In “Legit Investments? It’s a Date,” the story follows a character named Aldea as she explores three different investment opportunities. Through her journey, viewers learn the importance of due diligence. Aldea doesn’t just rely on first impressions—she investigates business credentials, checks documents, and consults with the SEC before making her choice.
One key insight from the video is that being registered with the SEC doesn’t automatically mean a company is authorized to sell investment products. Viewers are taught to ask for specific documents like a permit to sell, an order of registration, and a valid salesperson certificate—proof that a business can legally offer investment opportunities.
These educational tools aren’t limited to online platforms. The SEC and BDO Foundation plan to use the videos in seminars, workshops, and community outreach events, ensuring that even those with limited internet access can benefit from these lessons. The goal is to create a more informed public that is resilient against financial fraud.
As more Filipinos look for ways to grow their savings, the SEC and BDO Foundation want to ensure that they do so wisely. Their message is clear: “Before you invest, investigate.” And with resources like “Check with SEC” and “Legit Investments? It’s a Date,” Filipinos now have better tools to spot scams and make smarter financial choices.
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