Consumer Alert

Consumer Alert: Beware Of Hurricane-Related Scams

As our country recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, consumers are reminded to be cautious of opportunistic investment scams. Unfortunately, con artists exploit tragic headlines to cash in on unsuspecting investors. Watch for red flags such as cold-call telephone salespeople, advertisements, or Internet postings promoting investment pools to aid hurricane victims.

Consumers are reminded to:

• Hang up on aggressive cold callers promoting hurricane-related or oil-and-gas investments.
• Ignore unsolicited e-mail or Internet messages discussing small companies with new hurricane-related technologies or products.
• Be patient and cautious when making decisions about investments or finances. Request written documentation fully explaining investment opportunities. Thoroughly review the information before providing any financial support.
• Use common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  
  
• Contact DFI to check if either the seller or investment are licensed or registered to offer investments in the State.

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