News

With the proliferation of mobile device use and access to apps, more investors have become vulnerable to scammers who have infiltrated the mobile app marketplace.

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the North Dakota Securities Department reminds financial professionals and the public throughout North Dakota to be on the lookout for signs of elder financial abuse, including potential exploitation and scams.

The stress of financial fraud can be life altering, especially for those in their retirement years. Losing money in an online investment fraud or financial scheme can severely affect your physical, mental, and social health. To avoid online scams, it is important to keep track of the internet services, subscriptions, and passwords you are using. This investor advisory explains how you can take a proactive role in staying more secure online. 

An ETF is a type of exchange-traded investment product available for retail investors. In some ways ETFs are similar to mutual funds. For example, both are registered investment companies that can provide similar benefits such as professional management, investment diversification, and a low minimum required investment. But ETFs are structured differently than mutual funds, which creates different benefits and risks.

Your financial firm may request that you give them the name and contact information of a “trusted contact.” While it is not mandatory that you do so, state securities regulators, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and FINRA encourage you to consider providing the name of someone you trust as a contact on your accounts.

Scammers may falsely claim to be registered with state securities regulators, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in order to lure investors into scams, or even impersonate real investment professionals who actually are registered with these organizations. 

Self-directed IRAs allow investment in a broader – and potentially riskier – portfolio of assets than other types of IRAs. Investors should be mindful that investing through self-directed IRAs raises risks, such as fraudulent schemes, high fees, and volatile performance.

Administrative Consent Order