Seniors are often the target of fraud. However, with some basic understanding of how scam artists work, you can avoid fraud and protect your hard-earned money. Learning how to invest safely can mean a huge difference in your retirement years.
We offer a number of on-line publications, listed below, that you can access immediately for free by clicking on them. In addition, you can always call us, the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, with any questions you may have about investing. Our toll-free number is 1-800-732-0330.
Senior Specialists Designations - What Do They Mean?
Some financial professionals use designations that imply that they are experts at helping seniors with financial issues. The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) do not endorse professional designations or titles such as “senior specialist” or “retirement advisor” that some financial professionals use to market themselves. Read more...
Free On-line Publications (please click on them to read or download)
Guide for Seniors: Protect Yourself Against Investment Fraud
Seniors are often the target of fraud. However, with some basic understanding of how scam artists work, you can avoid fraud and protect your hard-earned money. Learning how to invest safely can mean a huge difference in your retirement year.
Questions You Should Ask About Your Investments
"Ask Questions." That’s the best advice we can give you about how to invest wisely. We see too many investors who might have avoided trouble and losses if they had asked basic questions from the start.
Investor Alerts and Bulletins
Five Red Flags of Investment Fraud
Social Media and Investing - Tips for Seniors
Early Retirement Seminars 101: Smart Tips for Spotting Retirement Scams
Variable Annuities
Indexed Annuities
Fixed Income Investments — When Interest Rates Go Up, Prices of Fixed-Rate Bonds Fall
Pension or Settlement Income Streams
Life Settlements
Target Date Retirement Funds
Real Estate Investment Trusts
Private Oil and Gas Offerings
Beware of False or Exaggerated Credentials
Planning for Diminished Capacity and Illness
Protecting Your Online Brokerage Accounts from Fraud
Elder Abuse
National Center on Elder Abuse
State Directory of Elder Abuse Prevention Resources
National Adult Protective Services Association
National Institute of Justice (research findings on elder financial abuse)
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Resources
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (“CFPB”) Financial Protection for Older Americans
CFPB’s Protecting Residents From Financial Exploitation
Managing Someone Else's Money: Help for Agents Under a Power of Attorney
Managing Someone Else's Money: Help for Trustees Under a Revocable Living Trust
Managing Someone Else's Money: Help for Guardians of Property and Conservators
Money Smart for Older Adults - Prevent Financial Exploitation
Additional Resources
Serve Our Seniors
Eldercare locator
The Social Security Administration Online Calculator
Federal Trade Commission Do Not Call Registry
FBI Common Fraud Scams – Seniors
A Planning Guide for the Newly Retired - Managing Your Money in Retirement