Resources & Help
Official regulators, self-defense steps, and what to do if you've already been defrauded.
Official Regulators & Where to Report
SEC — Securities & Exchange Commission
Primary regulator for stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and investment advisors. File complaints about securities fraud here.
- • EDGAR company filings database
- • Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD)
- • Check if an investment is registered
CFTC — Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Regulates futures, options, and swaps markets including oil, gas, grain, gold, and forex.
- • Registration database for commodity firms
- • SmartCheck — verify brokers and advisors
- • Whistleblower program
FINRA — Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Self-regulatory organization overseeing broker-dealers. Essential for checking your broker's disciplinary history.
- • BrokerCheck — free broker background check
- • Securities Helpline: 1-844-57-HELPS
- • Investor education library
FTC — Federal Trade Commission
Handles consumer fraud including investment scams, fake gurus, and pyramid schemes.
- • Report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- • IdentityTheft.gov for identity theft
- • Consumer information and alerts
FBI — Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
File complaints about internet-based fraud including crypto scams, wire fraud, and romance-based investment fraud.
- • File complaints at ic3.gov
- • Annual Internet Crime Report
- • Elder fraud resources
NASAA — North American Securities Administrators Association
Connects you to your state securities regulator — often the fastest path for local fraud cases.
- • Find your state regulator
- • Check if a seller is licensed in your state
- • Investor alerts and warnings
Self-Defense Guide
Before You Invest — Always Do This
- Search the company name + 'fraud', 'scam', or 'complaint' online
- Verify the seller's license on FINRA BrokerCheck or SEC IAPD
- Confirm the investment is registered on SEC EDGAR
- Call your state securities regulator and ask if the offering is registered
- Have an independent attorney review any documents before signing
- Never wire money — use checks or credit cards that can be traced or disputed
If You Think You're Being Scammed Right Now
- Stop sending money immediately — do not pay 'fees' to recover losses
- Do not let them pressure you into silence
- Save all emails, texts, contracts, and account statements
- Write down everything you remember: names, phone numbers, websites, dates
- Contact your bank or wire service immediately if a transfer was recent
- Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Recovery — What to Expect
- Recovery of funds is difficult — be wary of 'recovery companies' (often another scam)
- File reports with SEC, CFTC, FINRA, FTC, and your state AG
- Consult a securities attorney — many take fraud cases on contingency
- FINRA arbitration may be an option if a broker was involved
- The FBI and DOJ do prosecute financial fraud — your report matters
- AARP Fraud Watch Network offers free support: 1-877-908-3360