Too Good To Be True?
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-02-13 13:58:34.867372-05:00
Have you ever received a "great offer" or a "hot tip" on an investment from someone?
It may have been from a broker your friends swear by, an insurance agent you've known for years, or from a persuasive financial advisor. Or maybe it was from a family member, someone you met at a religious or social event, or from a phone call that just came out of the blue.
The offers can be tempting—perhaps it was an inside tip on a hot new stock, rare gold coins, big profit oil and gas leases, or one-of-a-kind business opportunities.
The "can't lose," "no risk" shots at instant wealth may sound too good to be true. Unfortunately, most of them are.
As long as people have money, other people will be looking for ways to get it from them. Thousands of people lose millions of dollars to investment fraud and inappropriate investments every year—young and old, rich and poor, more or less educated.
Many people think they won't be targeted because they are savvy investors or are adept at reading others. But when it comes to investment fraud, the victims—and the scammers—have many faces.
To have a secure and comfortable retirement, each of us should plan to invest. But there's a difference between investing and gambling. Often, that difference may come down to the homework that we do before we put our money on the table. Knowing who and what to look out for, as well as what types of investments are right or wrong for each of us, can help us make wise and safe investment choices.
To help Washington consumers protect themselves from investment frauds and scams, AARP is teaming with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the Investor Protection Trust to launch the statewide "Invest Wise Washington" campaign.
As part of the campaign, the public is invited to attend free half-day seminars in Spokane, Kennewick, Lynnwood and Vancouver (event details included below).
Experts in wise and safe investing will help consumers learn how to better prepare for their financial futures, while avoiding some of the most common investment scams. You'll learn about the top ten questions you need to ask before putting your money down on any investment. You'll also learn how to pinpoint the tricks and tactics used by crooks and scam artists.
Each attendee will receive a free Invest Wise booklet, educational DVD and informational brochures. Lunch is also provided. The seminars are free, but pre-registration is required. You can register to attend an event by filling out our online form, or by calling 1-877-926-8300.
Space is limited, so register today.
Invest Wise Washington Event Details
March 14 - Spokane
9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Red Lion Hotel at the Park
303 W. North River Drive
Spokane, WA 99201
April 4 - Kennewick
9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Three Rivers Convention Center
7016 Grandridge Boulevard
Kennewick, WA 99336
May 16 - Lynnwood
9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Lynnwood Convention Center
3711 196th St SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
June 20 - Vancouver
9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Red Lion Hotel at the Quay
100 Columbia Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
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