Investor Alerts

Financial fraud routinely follows on the heels of disaster. Hurricane Florence and its aftermath are no exception. This Investor Alert explains how to spot and protect yourself from potential scams.

If putting all your financial information online and in one place sounds like a good idea, there are many companies—often called data aggregators—ready to help you organize your financial life. However, before you share sensitive financial details, it pays to know how these services operate, and how to protect yourself from potential privacy and security risks.

In today's "hot" cryptocurrency environment, it's easy for companies or their promoters to make glorified claims about new products, services and other cryptocurrency-related connections. Follow these tips to avoid costly mistakes.

Some companies and recruiters use online video call technologies such as Skype as a convenient and cost-effective way to interview job applicants. Unfortunately, fraudsters are using them too, and they aren’t looking to offer you a job.

FINRA has received a number of calls from individuals who have received unexpected checks that purport to be issued by FINRA. The checks are counterfeit, and may arrive by special delivery and require a recipient’s signature. The arrival of these checks may be linked to job search scams, though callers note that there is no direct reference to a job search relationship accompanying the mailing—just a check.

The vote by Britain to leave the European Union was quickly felt the world over, creating market uncertainty and spiking volatility. FINRA is re-issuing this Investor Alert to outline the different types of market risks your investments may be exposed to and to describe steps you can take to minimize or manage those risks.

A recent FINRA enforcement action brought to light that some investors may be the recipients of misleading information regarding certain public non-traded REITS. And some may also receive recommendations to purchase these products without adequate investigation by the firm or individual broker to determine whether these or similar investments are suitable. Read this alert before investing in a non-traded REIT.

Securities-backed lines of credit, or SBLOCs, may seem like an attractive way to access extra capital when markets are producing positive returns, but market volatility can magnify potential losses. Consider the risks before posting your investment portfolio as collateral.

When someone calls and says they are from a government agency like the IRS, many of us may accept the statement as true. But impersonators abound. They alter caller ID numbers, and provide fake badge numbers, so that you will be intimidated into sending them money.

If someone is asking you to send money or hand over personal financial information to claim cash, prizes, luxury goods or a new investment opportunity, be very suspicious. It's likely not a prize if you have to pay first.

It's nice to get attention—unless you're a non-U.S. investor targeted by con artists trying to steal your money. Scammers are using fraud—including setting up phony "regulator" websites and fake identities—to separate you from your money.

A range of programs and lawsuit settlements have resulted in new money coming into Indian Country. If you are a recipient or potential recipient of this new money, you may have questions about how to manage and invest the assets, and how to select and work with an investment professional. These tips can help.

If you are thinking about cashing out your TSP when you leave the uniformed service, think twice. Or maybe three times. You might be about to forsake a financially secure retirement. Educate yourself to the potentially devastating impact cashing even a modest amount of TSP assets can have on retirement savings.

Investors frequently get invited to free seminars that promise to educate them about investing strategies or managing money in retirement—often with an expensive meal provided at no cost. But just because someone buys you breakfast, lunch or dinner doesn't mean you have to buy what they are saying—or selling.

Beware of promotions about certificates of deposit (CDs) promising interest rates that are substantially higher than current averages. Investors should be wary of unsolicited emails and calls that offer outsized interest from financial institutions, including banks and brokerage firms, particularly those with which you have not had a business relationship.

The largest source of IRA contributions comes from individuals who move their money from their employer-sponsored retirement plans when they leave a job. If you are considering rolling over money from an employer plan into an IRA—or if you have been in contact with a financial professional to do so—follow these tips to decide whether an IRA rollover is right for you.