Investor Education & Fraud Warnings
The organizations below publish guides, alerts, and tools to help you understand investments and spot common scam tactics.
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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission – Investor.gov
Official U.S. government site with plain‑language articles on types of investment fraud, red flags, and how to protect your money.
https://www.investor.gov -
SEC – Resources for Investors
Additional tools, publications, and alerts from the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.
https://www.sec.gov/resources-investors -
Investor.gov – Types of Fraud
Overview of common frauds such as Ponzi schemes, advance‑fee scams, and high‑yield investment programs, with examples and warning signs.
Types of Fraud -
Investor.gov – Red Flags of Investment Fraud Checklist
A simple checklist you can use to see if an offer shows classic warning signs of fraud.
Red Flags Checklist
Checking Firms & Learning More
These sites help you verify whether a broker or adviser is registered and provide further education on staying safe.
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FINRA – Investor Education Resources
Articles, tools, and quizzes from the U.S. self‑regulatory organization for brokerage firms, focused on helping investors make informed decisions and avoid fraud.
FINRA Investor Education -
FINRA – Scam Prevention & Assistance Resources
A collection of fraud‑prevention materials, plus helplines and support contacts for people worried about investment scams.
Scam Prevention Resources -
NASAA – Investor Education
Resources from state and provincial securities regulators, including investor alerts, online investing tips, and contacts for your local regulator.
https://www.nasaa.org/investor-education
Reporting Scams & Getting Help
If you believe you have encountered an investment scam, these links explain how to report it and where to seek assistance.
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FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – Cryptocurrency and Investment Fraud
The IC3 is the FBI’s main intake point for reporting internet-enabled crimes, including cryptocurrency and investment scams. If you have been affected, you can file a detailed complaint online and include transaction information, addresses, and any evidence you have.
Report cryptocurrency-related scams via IC3 -
FINRA Foundation – Assisting Victims of Fraud
Guidance and resources for consumers and advocates helping people who have experienced financial fraud, including where to file complaints.
Assisting Victims of Fraud -
Investor.gov – Common Scams Spotlight
Examples of common scam patterns, such as advance‑fee schemes and impersonation scams, with advice on what to do if they happen to you.
Common Scams -
FINRA – Avoid Fraud & Scams
Practical tips on protecting your money, recognizing suspicious offers, and filing complaints about fraud or unfair practices.
Avoid Fraud & Scams
Local and State Resources
In addition to the national and international sites above, many states and regions have their own investor‑education pages and scam‑reporting tools. For example:
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Connecticut Department of Banking – Educational Resources for Investors
Example of a state‑level site offering advice on avoiding scams, choosing advisers, and getting help with investment problems.
CT Investor Resources
To find similar resources where you live, search for your state or country name plus “securities regulator” or “investor education,” and look for official .gov or regulator sites.
How to Use These Links
Before investing, use the education sites to learn about common fraud tactics, and the regulator resources to check whether a firm and its representatives are properly registered.
If you suspect a scam, combine what you learn here with the steps on this site’s “What to do if you’re a victim” page, and consider reporting your case to the appropriate authorities.