Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

SEC Emblem
Investor.gov
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Auxiliary Header

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Follow Us
  • Glossary
  • Información en Español

Main navigation

  • Introduction to Investing
    • Getting Started
      • Five Questions to Ask Before You Invest
      • Understanding Fees
      • Asset Allocation
      • Assessing Your Risk Tolerance
      • Investing on Your Own
      • Working with an Investment Professional
      • Researching Investments
    • Investing Basics
      • Save and Invest
      • Invest For Your Goals
      • How Stock Markets Work
      • Investment Products
      • What is Risk?
      • Role of the SEC
      • Glossary
    • General Resources
      • Investor Alerts & Bulletins
      • Publications and Research
  • Financial Tools & Calculators
    • Financial Tools
      • Investment Professional Background Check
      • EDGAR - Search Company Filings
      • Fund Analyzer
      • Retirement Ballpark E$timate
      • Social Security Retirement Estimator
    • Calculators
      • Compound Interest Calculator
      • Calculadora de distribución mínima requerida
      • Calculadora de interés compuesto
      • Savings Goal Calculator
      • Calculadora de objetivo de ahorro
      • Required Minimum Distribution Calculator
      • College Savings Calculator
  • Protect Your Investments
    • Fraud
      • Types of Fraud
      • How to Avoid Fraud
      • Resources for Victims
    • Get Help
      • Submit Questions and Complaints
      • Arbitration and Mediation Clinics
  • Additional Resources
    • Spotlight
      • Common Scams
      • Crypto Assets
      • Director's Take
      • HoweyTrade
      • Never Stop Learning
      • Public Service Campaign
      • World Investor Week
      • Investing Quizzes
      • Videos
    • Retirement Toolkit
      • First Job
      • Switching Jobs
      • Employer-Sponsored Plans
      • Federal Government Plans
      • Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
      • Managing Lifetime Income
      • Senior Specialist Designations
      • Social Security
      • Avoiding Retirement Fraud
    • Information For:
      • Librarians
      • Older Investors
      • Teachers
      • Military
      • Veterans
      • Youth
      • Entrepreneurs

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Protect Your Investments

Main navigation

  • Types of Fraud
    • Advance Fee Fraud
    • Binary Options Fraud
    • High-Yield Investment Programs
    • Impersonation Schemes
    • Internet and Social Media Fraud
    • Investment Scams Targeting Groups
    • Microcap Fraud
    • Ponzi Scheme
    • Pre-IPO Investment Scams
    • Pyramid Schemes
    • “Prime Bank” Investments
    • Promissory Notes
    • Pump and Dump Schemes
    • Relationship Investment Scams
  • How to Avoid Fraud
    • How to Avoid Scams – VIDEOS
    • Protect Your Social Media Accounts
    • Red Flags of Investment Fraud Checklist
    • What You Can Do to Avoid Investment Fraud
  • Resources for Victims

How to Avoid Fraud

HoweyTrade

A basic understanding of how scam artists work can help you avoid fraud and protect your money. Learning how to invest wisely can help you reach your financial goals. Here are some ways to help avoid being scammed:

  • Be aware before you share your contact information in response to an investment promotion.
  • Learn what you can do to avoid investment fraud including red flags to watch for and where to go for help.
  • Learn how to protect yourself online, and how to protect your social media accounts.
  • Learn about the different types of investment fraud, including those found online and in social media. 
  • Review our Investor Alerts

Remember: if you have a question or concern about an investment, or you think you have encountered a fraud, please contact the SEC, FINRA, or your state securities regulator to report the fraud and to get assistance.

Featured Content

Investing Quiz - December 2025

Challenge yourself with our most difficult investing quiz and start applying your knowledge of compound interest today!   

Is It Time to Rebalance Your Portfolio?

Stay on track to meet your investing goals. Learn about considerations when reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio.  

Understanding Investment Fees and Expenses

Learn how the fees and expenses you pay for investment services and products can impact the value of your portfolio. 

What Are Ex-Dividend Dates?

An ex-dividend date is the cutoff date that determines whether you are owed a dividend. Learn more in our glossary.  

Never stop learning about investing!

Stay up to date with the latest Investor Alerts & Bulletins, Director’s Take Articles, Quizzes, and the Investor.gov Shares Digest.

Get Email Updates from Investor.gov

 

Site Information

  • SEC.gov
  • MyMoney.gov
  • FOIA
  • Plain Writing
  • Privacy
  • Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
  • USA.gov
  • Disclaimer
Return to Top