Thursday, January 15, 2009

SEC Warning Beware of Fake Regulators

Securities and Exchange Commission staff are aware of a number of ongoing investment scams in which con artists have used the names of real SEC employees to trick victims, including non-U.S. investors, into giving the fraudsters access to their brokerage accounts, revealing private information, and even sending the perpetrators money and other assets.

Even where the fraudsters do not request that funds be sent directly to them, they may use the personal information they obtain to steal the individual's identity and then misappropriate his or her financial assets. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from the SEC (or another government agency), always verify the person's identity.

Use the SEC's personnel locator, (202) 551-6000, to verify whether the caller is an SEC staff member and to speak with him or her directly. You can also call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for general information, including information about SEC enforcement actions and any investor claims funds ...