La Capitale Financial Group suspends the Carte Capitale card

Quebec - December 19, 2011 – La Capitale Financial Group announced today that it has suspended all Carte Capitale cards currently in use until further notice. Used exclusively for car-related expenses, the Carte Capitale card has been the subject of fraud, namely transactions performed at some gas stations in Quebec and Ontario. The company contacted the authorities who launched an investigation into this matter.

"The fraudulent activities perpetrated do not impact our clients in any way," asserts Mr. Éric Marcoux, Vice-President of Administration and Customer Service, Individual Insurance and Banking Affairs at La Capitale. "Neither the personal information nor the monies held by our clients were affected by the fraud", Mr. Marcoux also adds.

Specific measures were also put in place to keep customers informed of any developments :

• An e-mail was sent to clients who are registered for online account statements and balances
• A letter will be mailed to all Carte Capitale cardholders
• A telephone line was set up exclusively for Carte Capitale cardholders who can dial in toll-free at 1 855 747-7712
• Additional staff members are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to answer any queries from La Capitale clients.

Clients can rest assured that their personal information has not been breached and that they are not impacted financially from the unfortunate events of the last few days.

The Carte Capitale card is a budget-type card used exclusively for payment of car-related expenses and repairs.

About La Capitale Financial Group

La Capitale Financial Group has over 2,900 employees and partners in Quebec and across Canada. Guided by the values of mutualism on which it was founded, La Capitale works with clients to build, protect and value what they feel counts for their financial security. It offers insurance products and financial services to the general public as well as to Quebec public administration employees. Given the key social and economic role La Capitale plays, it is proud to contribute to the progress a nd well-being of the whole community. With assets of $3.8 billion, La Capitale occupies a choice position among leading insurers in Canada.