INTERNET INVESMENT SCAMS

By: Sarah Martins | Date: 17.06.2004
When it comes to investment opportunities you learn about on the Internet; you should be very skeptical of internet investment scams. When you come across an offer on the Internet, you should always assume that it's a scam until you have done the proper research and prove the offer otherwise. You could come across offers on a company's website, an online newsletter, a message board, or a chat room.
Before you invest you should always get the facts first, and invest money only if you can afford to lose. If you can't afford to lose any money, you really shouldn't invest in an online opportunity. While there are hi yields that can be made, you also have the opportunity to lose everything that you have invested.
Before you invest any of your money, make sure you get the facts first. You should only invest money, if you can afford to lose any. You can avoid these internet investment scams, simply by paying attention to everything that is provided to you. Below, you will find some tips that are designed to help you protect yourself, and your investment.
Is the investment registered? That is a big question, one that should be asked anytime you come across an internet investment. To answer this question, check the SEC's EDGAR database. There are some smaller companies that don't have to register their securities offerings with the SEC, so always make sure you check with your state securities regulator. You can find this number in the government section of your phone book. If you can't find it, call the North American Securities Association (NASAAA) at 1-202-737-0900.
Many internet investment scams involve unregistered securities. Keep in mind however, the fact that a company has registered and files reports with the SEC, doesn't necessarily mean that the company will be a good investment. On the other hand, the fact that a company hasn't registered and doesn't file reports doesn't mean that the company is a fraud.
If you invest in a small, thinly traded company that isn't widely known, you could be asking for serious losses. To prevent the loss of your money on a scam, make sure you call your state regulator.
To help you out more, find out if the person or firm that is selling the investment needs to be licensed. Make a call to your state securities regulator and ask whether the person or firm is licensed to do business in your state and whether or not they have a record of fraud or complaints. A simple call to the NASD public disclosure hotline at 1-800-289-9999 will allow you to get this information.
Before you part with your hard earned money, make sure that you fully understand the investment. Always ask questions, and carefully read any information that is provided to you. This way, you can avoid internet investment scams.