Indiana MoneyWise October 2014 | Page 6

How to spot a

con artist

The seller is not licensed or registered.

You can easily check with the Office of the Indiana Secretary of State through our searchable databases on the Indiana Security Division’s website. Individuals and firms in the financial services industry must meet certain requirements. Taking time to research a seller and their investment offer could save you in the long run.

No written information is provided.

Ask for a prospectus. It is a legal document that provides details about an investment offering. The prospectus or “offer document” will contain the facts you need to make an informed investment decision.

The seller refuses to take no for an answer.

You should be suspicious of any seller who pressures you to “act now” or says this is a “limited time offer.” If they’re pushing you to make a decision immediately, it is probably because they don’t want you to find out they are selling a scam.