NASAA's Top Investor Threats

NASAA released its annual list of financial products and practices that threaten to trap unwary investors. State securities regulators are particularly concerned about two provisions of the recently passed JOBS Act that, NASAA says, "could unwittingly open a floodgate of fraud": the provisions to expand crowdfunding to allow businesses to raise money from investors and to allow the general solicitation and advertising of private placement offers.

The following list of the Top 10 financial products and practices that threaten to trap unwary investors was compiled by the securities regulators in NASAA’s Enforcement Section:

New Threats

Crowdfunding and Internet Offers
Inappropriate Advice or Practices from Investment Advisers
Scam Artists Using Self-Directed IRAs to Mask Fraud
EB-5 Investment-for-Visa Schemes

Persistent Threats

Gold and Precious Metals
Risky Oil and Gas Drilling Programs
Promissory Notes
Real Estate Investment Schemes
Reg D/Rule 506 Private Offerings
Unlicensed Salesmen Giving Liquidation Recommendations