The New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation (NHBSR) recently announced the launch of a television ad campaign in an effort to raise public awareness of con artists in the investment world, the cost of which will be funded by the Investor Protection Trust (IPT). The IPT, founded in 1993, is part of a multi-state settlement to resolve charges of misconduct and serves as an independent source of non-commercial investor education materials.
According to the NHBSR, would-be investors should approach any potential investment opportunity with caution, and proceed only after ample investigation. In particular, if nothing else, investors should check whether a seller is licensed and whether an investment product is registered.
Of course, investors are always encouraged to dig deeper when it comes to any potential investment. Investors are also encouraged to contact the NHBSR with any questions. According to Barry Glennon, Deputy Director of the Bureau, “Before you invest your hard-earned money, it is vitally important to call the Securities Bureau to investigate both the promoter and the investment.”
Glennon noted the risk associated with high-return investments: “Citizens should understand that ‘high return’ investments often carry high risk including the risk that the investment may yield no return, or, worse, a substantial loss to the investor.”
New Hampshire is unfortunately entirely too familiar with investment scams. In recent years, New Hampshire investors have been victims of various con-artists, resulting in significant losses to some investors.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-mct-nh-securities-bureaus-ads-will-warn-about-con-20120508,0,3662775.story
