Smart Investing

Dear New Yorker:

The world of financial investment offers many opportunities and great rewards.

It sometimes can carry great risks.

By following these tips, consumers can protect themselves from some of the pitfalls of investing and avoid being scammed.

If you would like more information about protecting yourself and your investments, please contact my Investor Protection Bureau by calling or writing:

New York State Attorney General
The State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224
1-800-771-7755
www.ag.ny.gov

Be wary of unsolicited phone calls and letters;

Always demand written information -- and read it carefully;

Be suspicious of "insider information," "hot tips," or "rumors;"

Never be afraid to ask questions or tell someone that you don’t understand;

Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics;

Don’t believe promises of doubling or tripling your money in a short time;

Deal only with established brokers;

Check with the Attorney General’s Bureau of Investor Protection for information about brokers;

Never rush in. Remember, when in doubt about an investment opportunity, it’s usually safer to wait.