Investment Fraud Resources
Washington Department of Financial Institutions
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) educates citizens about how they can make wise investment decisions and avoid fraud. The DFI website provides a list of common investment fraud schemes, and how to spot them. The DFI also offers a telephone hotline investors can use to check if an investment organization is registered.
Washington Attorney General’s Office
Consumer protection is an important part of the Washington Attorney General’s mission. The Attorney General’s Office website features a “Recession Survival Guide” that includes pointers on how to avoid the most popular scams. Other resources offered by the Attorney General’s Office include regular consumer alerts, and a consumer complaint form.
AARP
AARP is one of the most prominent advocacy groups for senior citizens in the country, and AARP’s consumer protection website has several resources designed to inform seniors about the risks of investment fraud. This downloadable AARP pamphlet outlines the sure signs of an investment scam. AARP’s “The Lure of Money” video series is another way to learn about popular investment scams.
Investor Protection Trust
The Investor Protection Trust (IPT) is an independent organization that provides information consumers need to make sound investment decisions. The IPT webpage features a series of videos about investment scams, as well as a free downloadable booklet on investing that includes information on how to make sure you have an honest broker.
Scambusters.org
Scambusters is an online publication that provides consumers with information on the latest scams floating around. The site includes general information on a variety of investment scams, tips on investing safely, avoiding affinity scams, avoiding antique scams, and more.
