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Outsmarting Investment Fraud
Program and Outreach Toolkit

Whether you are a state securities regulator, a representative of the State Attorney General’s office or a member of a volunteer or civic organization, this toolkit contains everything you need to teach investors how to protect their families and finances against investment fraud. From workshop ideas and planning templates, to tips on how to reach the media and engage local partners, this step-by-step guide can help you in talking about investment fraud and reaching out to investors in your community.

Message from the President of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation (PDF 96 KB)

Download the Full Toolkit (PDF 5 MB) or specific Toolkit content using the links below.

Overview

How to Use This Toolkit (PDF 171 KB)
Whether you choose to hold an Outsmarting Investment Fraud workshop or distribute educational materials, this toolkit provides tips and materials to get started.

Reaching Your Audience (PDF 531 KB)
Communicating effectively about investment fraud is one of the best ways to raise awareness and reach out to investors—particularly since many investors do not believe they are at risk.

Tips to Conduct Outreach (PDF 464 KB)
Strategies to share the “Ask and Check” message in your community.

Event Ideas and Planning Materials

Planning an Investor Protection Workshop or Event (PDF 608 KB)
Event ideas to engage audiences of any size, using the Outsmarting Investment Fraud curriculum and “Tricks of the Trade: Outsmarting Investment Fraud” video.

Event Planning Templates and Materials (PDF 2 MB)
Sample agendas and timelines designed to guide your planning and flexible to meet your needs.

The Outsmarting Investment Fraud Curriculum

How to Use the Curriculum (PDF 518 KB)
Developed with noted fraud experts, this research-based, interactive presentation teaches investors how to recognize and resist the sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters.

Curriculum Preview (FLASH Presentation)
Preview the presentation. Then request a free CD containing 60- and 30-minute versions of the presentation with and without video. Be sure to write "CD" in the subject line and include your street address when you place your order. 

Risk Quiz (PDF 32 KB) and Score Card (PDF 36 KB)
Engage participants at the start of your workshop with the investor risk quiz. Print your own from these PDFs or click here (PDF 163 KB) to order pre-printed copies.

"Tricks of the Trade: Outsmarting Investment Fraud" Documentary

About the Documentary (PDF 275 KB)
Filmed in HD and featuring real-life stories from fraud victims, experts in fraud prevention, and fraud criminals, this 60-minute documentary outlines the same principles taught in the Outsmarting Investment Fraud curriculum presentation.

Order a free DVD copy of this documentary, as seen on public television stations nationwide:

Discussion Questions (PDF 99 KB)
Facilitate a group discussion after viewing the documentary.

Outreach Tools and Materials

How to Pitch Public Service Announcements (PSAs) (PDF 200 KB)
Public service announcements (PSAs) are non-commercial messages that broadcasters air free of charge to benefit their audience. Learn how to seek placement in your local newspaper, television and radio outlets.

Use these templates to pitch PSAs in your community:
Current SaveAndInvest.org PSAs:

How to Conduct Earned Media Outreach (PDF 255 KB)
News coverage can help encourage attendance at your event and also raise awareness about investment fraud and how to prevent it.

Use these templates to bring visibility to your efforts:

Additional Outreach Materials

Event and Outreach Materials Order Form (PDF 1 MB)
These materials can be ordered and used to promote events and spread the “ask and check” message to community members. Limited quantities of these materials are available, at no cost.

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