TIP: To be an informed investor, you must know what danger signs to look for. Some are subtle, and some are easier to spot. Download our handout to learn the 7 signs to look out for. Related Investor Education Handout How To Spot a Con Artist (PDF) Click here to view Click here to ...
Read More October 2018
Commissioner’s Corner
TIP: The truth is, we’re all at risk. Anyone with any money is bound to hear from a fraudster at some point. But you can help protect your family and friends by recognizing how investment fraudsters operate and by reporting investment fraud: 1-877-HI SCAMS. Related Investor Education Handout Fighting Fraud 101 (PDF) Click here ...
Read More September 2018
TIP: A lengthy list of credentials after someone’s name does not give them the authority to sell securities. In most cases, a stockbroker or any other person who wants to sell securities or advise you on investments must be registered to do so. Download our Financial Designations handout to know what’s recognized and what’s not. ...
Read More August 2018
TIP: If someone is selling you securities or advising you on your investments, that person and company should be registered. Contact the Hawaii Securities Compliance Branch at (808) 586-2722 to verify the information. When you call, please have the name of the firm and the individual’s first and last name and middle initial if available. ...
Read More July 2018
TIP: Slow down the conversation and ask the right questions. Before investing, make sure you understand the investment and understand all the fees & commissions. Take the time to find out more about the seller. There is no such thing as a stupid question when it’s about your money. Related Investor Education Handout Ask ...
Read More June 2018
TIP: Don’t make any advance payments upfront based on the hope of getting a big windfall. Advance Fee Fraud is a scam where the victim believes paying an advanced fee will lead to a big payout. It is also known as a confidence trick, in which the target or victim is persuaded to send small ...
Read More May 2018
TIP: Pyramid schemes cannot be sustained and always collapse eventually. Protect yourself and your money by steering clear of any ‘opportunity’ bearing warning signs of a pyramid scheme. Related Investor Education Handout Pyramid Schemes (PDF) Click here to view Click here to download
TIP: You plan your health, you know it’s wise to get enough exercise and eat the right foods. But when was the last time you planned for your wealth? Have you monitored the condition of your investments? It’s time for a wealth-care checkup. Related Investor Education Handout Wealth Care Kit (PDF) Click here to ...
Read More March 2018
TIP: Con Artists are using social networks to establish connections with people who share similar interests or views. Download our Social Networking handout to protect yourself from fraud. Related Investor Education Handout Social Networking (PDF) Click here to view Click here to download
TIP: Never make an investment solely based on the reputation of or “friendship” with a member of a group to which you belong. Affinity fraud refers to an investment scam that targets groups and uses the trust among group members to spread the fraud. Con artists leverage that network to gain trust, cloak themselves ...
Read More January 2018
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