Securities, Commodities and Investment Fraud

Resources on How to Protect Yourself 
Related Organizations and Web Sites

Securities Fraud covers a wide range of illegal activities, all of which involve the deception of investors or the manipulation of financial markets.

Investment Fraud also covers a wide range of illegal activities, all of which involve the deception of investors or the manipulation of financial markets. Scammers often try to make a new venture sound like a sure-fire money-maker, but investments always involve risk.

Resources on How to Protect Yourself

Affinity Fraud: How To Avoid Investment Scams That Target Groups

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, September 2006

A good description of affinity fraud, tips for avoiding these scams, commentary on recent schemes, plus where to go for help.

Ask Questions: Questions You Should Ask About Your Investments

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, May 2010

A Guide for Seniors: Protect Yourself Against Investment Fraud

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 2009

Useful guide explaining types of fraud, listing questions to ask, how to evaluate and where to go for help.

Internet Fraud: How to Avoid Internet Investment Scams

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

This web page tells you how to spot different types of Internet fraud, what the SEC is doing to fight Internet investment scams, and how to use the Internet to invest wisely.

Investing In Bullion and Bullion Coins

Federal Trade Commission, September 2010

If you're thinking about investing in bullion or bullion coins, the FTC says your best bet is to research your options. Being uninformed can have costly consequences.

Investing in Collectible Coins

Federal Trade Commission, September 2010

If you're thinking about buying collectible coins as an investment, the FTC has three words for you: research, research, research. Get tips to help you investigate before you invest.

Investing in Gold? What's the Rush?

Federal Trade Commission, January 2011

The FTC says if you are interested in buying gold, do some digging before investing. Some gold promoters don't deliver what they promise.

Ponzi Schemes – Frequently Asked Questions

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors. Learn about Ponzi schemes and steps you can take to avoid them.

Protect Your Money: Check Out Brokers and Investment Advisers

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Federal and state securities laws require brokers, investment advisers, and their firms to be licensed or registered. One phone call or web search may save you from sending your money to a con artist, a bad financial professional or disreputable firm.

Related Organizations and Web Sites

North American Securities Administrators Association

As the oldest international investor protection organization, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) provides tools to protect against investment fraud, with some tips especially for seniors.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Securities Fraud

Federal Bureau of Investigation

A concise web page containing information on securities fraud awareness and prevention tips.

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States.

Investor.gov

The Investor.Gov Web site from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provides information about what can be done to prevent and identify fraudulent activities related to investing.

Investor Protection Trust

The Investor Protection Trust provides independent, objective information to help consumers make informed investment decisions.

National Futures Association (NFA)

NFA is the industry wide, self-regulatory organization for the U.S. futures industry. They strive every day to develop rules, programs and services that safeguard market integrity, protect investors and help members meet their regulatory responsibilities.

OnGuardOnline: Online Investing

The internet allows investors to access account information 24/7 and quickly and inexpensively research investment opportunities. But the internet is not fail-safe. OnGuardOnline provides tips to help you invest safely online.

Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC)

When a brokerage firm is closed due to bankruptcy or other financial difficulties and customer assets are missing, SIPC steps in as quickly as possible and, within certain limits, works to return customers' cash, stock and other securities.

U.S. Department of the Treasury: Frauds, Phonies, & Scams

This section of the Treasury Web site highlights examples of fraudulent schemes or scams that involve what are claimed to be securities issued or backed by the Treasury Department or another part of the United States Government. These scams have been directed at banks, charities, companies, and even individuals, by individuals or organizations seeking payment on the fraudulent securities.

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