Online Investment Opportunities:
'Net Profit or 'Net Gloss?

File a Complaint Online

When it comes to investment opportunities touted on the World Wide Web, keep a watchful eye. The Web has many legitimate investment opportunities, but it also plays host to some unscrupulous players.

Before you respond to any online investment opportunities, the Federal Trade Commission says to look for these signs of a company that may not be on the up-and-up:

WB01515_.gif (482 bytes) "This investment is IRA approved."
WB01515_.gif (482 bytes) "Our web site will match you with investment opportunities."
WB01515_.gif (482 bytes) "Offshore investments are tax-free and confidential."
WB01515_.gif (482 bytes) "Submit your financial information online."

For More Information

Check out Online Investment Opportunities: 'Net Profit or 'Net Gloss?

For more information on investing via the Internet, check out the FTC's consumer education materials on Investments. Or, contact the following organizations:

Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC  20580
202-FTC-HELP  (382-4357)
1-866-653-4261 TTD
North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc.
10 G Street, NE, Suite 701
Washington, DC  20002
202-737-0900
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Three Lafayette Centre
1155 21st Street, NW
Wasington, DC  20581
202-418-5000
National Association of Securities Dealers
1735 K Street, NW
Washington, DC  20006-1500
202-728-8000
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC  20549
202-942-7040
National Association of Investors Corporation
PO Box 220
Royal Oak, MI 48068
248-583-6242
Employee Benefit Research Institute
The Motley Fool Alliance for Investor Education
The Online Investor invest-o-rama
Pathfinder.com
Fortune.com
Money.com
National Fraud Information Center
Small Business Administration American Savings Education Council
InvestorGuide InvestorWords
Fination.com

Revised: 05/20/02