Ask and Check
If a salesperson is trying to sell you an investment, ask the right questions and check them out by following these steps.
Check Out the Seller
Before you work with a broker or other financial salesperson:
Ask. Who are you licensed with to sell me this? Are you a licensed broker? Is that investment registered?
Check. If they say they are licensed, check out their background.
Check Out the Investment:
Before you buy an investment product:
Ask. Is this investment registered with the SEC?
Check. If you are told it is, verify that the investment is indeed registered with the SEC.
Know What to Say When a Con Calls You
You can outsmart the cons. Watch this short video (3 min. 10 sec.) to see the wrong way—and right way—to handle a sales call from a fraudster. Remember, the word “No” is more powerful than any con man.
Additional Resources
How to Fight Back Against Fraud:
- Make sure the seller is licensed.
- Be sure the product is registered.
- Find out if an investment could be a scam .
- Find out if you may be vulnerable.