Does the investment sound too good to be true?
If it does, it probably is. High-yield investments tend to involve extremely high risk. Never invest in an opportunity that promises "guaranteed" or "risk-free" returns. Watch out for claims of astronomical yields in a short period of time. Be skeptical of "off-shore" or foreign investments. And beware of exotic or unusual sounding investments, especially those involving so-called "prime bank" securities. To learn more about "prime bank" securities, visit the Division of Enforcement's Prime Bank Fraud Information Center on our website.
Make sure you fully understand the investment before you part with your hard-earned money. Always ask for – and carefully read – the company's prospectus and latest financial statements.
For more tips on avoiding online fraud, read Internet Fraud: How to Avoid Internet Scams. You can get this brochure by calling the SEC's toll-free publications line at (800) SEC-0330 or visiting the "Internet and Online Trading" section of our website.
BECAUSE YOU CAN READ THIS, THANK A TEACHER. BECAUSE IT'S IN ENGLISH, THANK A SOLDIER.