Investing isn’t rocket science, but it can be challenging. Learn the process of investing and become a wise and safe investor.
Securities Regulator
Be sure to contact your State Securities Regulator to check out your broker and/or a specific investment before you invest. Contact your State Securities Regulator
Getting Help Booklet
Check out IPT’s and Kiplinger’s “Getting Help With Your Investments” booklet for information on choosing a financial advisor, checking out your broker, and other protection topics.
IPT Investor Protection Resources
IPT’s has a variety of resources to help investors and potential investors recognize and avoid investment fraud.
State Securities Regulators
State Securities Regulators have protected investors from fraud for nearly 100 years. Securities markets are global but securities are sold locally by professionals who are licensed in every State where they do business. State Securities Regulators work within the State government to protect investors and help maintain the integrity of the securities industry.
Your State Securities Regulator can:
- Verify a broker-dealer of investment advisor is properly licensed.
- Provide information about: prior run-ins with regulators that led to disciplinary or enforcement actions, serious complaints that may have been lodged against them, their educational background and their work history.
- Provide a computer link or telephone number or address where you can file a complaint
- Provide non-commercial investor education and protection materials
For contact information for your State Securities Regulator, visit the NASAA website and click on “Contact Your Regulator.”
North American Securities Regulators Association (NASAA)
NASAA is the voice of State Securities Agencies responsible for efficient capital formation and grass-roots investor protection. Their fundamental mission is protecting consumers who purchase securities or investment advice, and their jurisdiction extends to a wide variety of issuers and intermediaries who offer and sell securities to the public. The NASAA website provides a variety of investor protection resources:
Protect Yourself Video Segments
The Protect Video Segments are designed to educate viewers about common investment scams.
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Technology Scam—Cars that Run on Water, from episode 202
Download (WMV)
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Affinity Fraud Scam—Ruth and Len Mitchell, from episode 203
Download (WMV)
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Elder Experts Scam—Affinity Fraud, from episode 204
Download (WMV)
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401K Theft, from episode 207
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Hard Sell for Annuities, from episode 208
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Credit Counselors Are Not Always What They Seem to Be, from episode 210
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New Mexico Religious Affinity Fraud, from episode 211
Download (WMV)
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Mortgage Loan Scam, from episode 213
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Multilevel Marketing Scam, from episode 214
Download (WMV)
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Predatory Lenders Target Military Families (TAP$), from episode 215