Telephone: (334) 242-2984 or 1-800-222-1253 Fax: (334) 242-0240
Email: asc@asc.alabama.gov Website:
www.asc.state.al.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INVESTOR
ALERT TELEMARKETING STOCK SCAM
Borg said,
“Alabamians please beware of telephone calls from people acting like they know
you in a prerecorded or scripted message offering you a great inside deal on
the purchase of OTC’s.”
The Commission
has received numerous calls today that a female was calling inviting them to
join in a great stock buy immediately. The
caller will talk fast stating she has a great inside deal on some OTC’s. The caller personalizes the conversation by
saying her daddy is making a big buy this weekend and you can purchase some of
the stocks by calling her back at a certain number on her cell phone. The calls are intended to appear as if the
caller is calling a close friend that is receiving “secret” information.
The
Commission offers the following advice to protect you from this type of
scam.
1.
Don't be a "courtesy victim." You may be from a
generation that was taught to be courteous at all times to phone callers, as
well as people who visit you at home. Con artists will not hesitate to exploit
the good manners of a potential victim. When a stranger asks for your money,
you should proceed with the utmost caution. You are under absolutely no
obligation to stay on the telephone with a stranger or allow them in your home.
In these circumstances, it is not impolite to explain that you are not
interested and hang up the phone or ask a stranger to leave your premises. If you are lonely and in need of
companionship, don't make the mistake of seeking it from someone whose only
real interest is to get his or her hands on your money.
2.
Say "no" to any investment professional or con artists who
presses you to make an immediate decision.
Before investing check out the salesperson, firm and the investment
opportunity itself. Extensive background information on investment
salespeople and firms is available by contacting the Alabama Securities
Commission. Almost all investment opportunities must be registered for sale in
the state in which you live. Your state securities agency can tell you if the
investment opportunity is properly registered. Before you part with your
hard-earned savings, get written information about the investment opportunity,
review it carefully, and make sure that you understand all the risks involved.
-
more -
Potential
investors can contact the Alabama Securities Commission for inquiries regarding
securities broker-dealers, agents, investment advisors, investment advisor
representatives, financial planners, the registration status of securities, to
report suspected fraud, or obtain consumer information:
Telephone: (334) 242-2984 or 1-800-222-1253 Fax: (334) 242-0240
Email: asc@asc.alabama.gov Website:
www.asc.state.al.us
###
If you have questions or
require more information contact:
Daniel G. Lord
Education and Public Affairs Manager