From the Securities and Exchange Commission:
Investor Alert for Seniors: Five Red Flags of Investment Fraud
Older Americans are often targets of investment fraud. The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy is issuing this Investor Alert to help seniors identify signs that what is offered as an investment may actually be a fraud. Below are five “red flags” seniors should look out for when making an investment decision.
Promises of High Returns with Little or No Risk. The promise of a high rate of return, with little or no risk, is a classic warning sign of investment fraud. Every investment carries some degree of risk, and the potential for greater returns generally comes with greater risk. Avoid putting money into “can’t miss” investment opportunities or those promising “guaranteed returns.” Remember – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Unregistered Persons. Always check whether the person offering to sell you an investment is registered and licensed, even if you know him or her personally. Unregistered/unlicensed persons who sell securities perpetrate many of the securities frauds that target older investors. Researching the background of the individuals and firms selling you investments, including their registration/license status and disciplinary history, is free:
Search the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) online database.
Search the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)’s BrokerCheck online database.
Contact your state securities regulator.
Red Flags in the Financial Professional’s Background. Even if an investment professional is in good standing with his or her regulators, you should be aware of potential red flags in the professional’s background. SEC, FINRA, and state securities regulator records can be used to identify red flags for potential problems, including: (1) employment at firms that have been expelled from the securities industry; (2) personal bankruptcy; (3) termination; (4) being subject to internal review by an employer; (5) a high number of customer complaints; (6) failed industry qualification examinations; (7) federal tax liens; and (8) repeatedly moving firms.
Pressure to Buy Quickly. No reputable investment professional should push you to make an immediate decision about an investment, or tell you that you’ve got to “act now.” If someone pressures you to decide on an investment without giving you ample time to do your research, walk away.
Free Meals. Be wary of “free lunch” seminars. The ultimate goal of free meal investment seminars is typically to lure new clients and to sell investment products, not to educate the public. If you decide to attend one, commit to yourself before the seminar that you won’t purchase anything or open an account while at the seminar. Even if the free meal does not come with a high-pressured sales pitch, you should expect the “hard sell” in subsequent contacts from the person selling the investment.