Investment

Overview

We live in a digital era where advanced technology and sophisticated algorithms are continually being used to aggregate financial data, conduct research, analyze risk, automate processes, track performance and have better control on one’s current and future wealth.

In the 21st century, the World Wide Web takes an ever-increasing place in helping people make the most of their hard-earned dollars to achieve their short and long-term financial objectives.

Accredited and non-accredited investors are always looking for new practical ways to minimize risk, maximize returns, increase savings, diversify their existing portfolio or find alternative investment channels with good ROI.

Those who look for interesting investment opportunities on the internet may find them in many forms: from online brokerages and P2P loan platforms to crowdfunding real estate investing sites and other cutting-edge fintech startups.

Each company offers a package of investment options that may include channels such as:

• Stocks
• Options
• Exchange Traded Funds (ETF)
• Traditional and Roth IRAs
• Mutual Funds
• Futures
• Bonds
• Forex
• International Stock Exchange
• Real Estate Market

Consumer Tips: How to Identify and Avoid Investment Scams Online

Just like any other field that involves financial companies, investors and vast sums of money that switch hands, the investment market also has its fair share of scammers, fraudsters and cybercriminals that operate online and look for potential victims.

As more potential investors look for lucrative investment opportunities online rather than in more traditional venues (like stock exchanges) – it’s essential to be more aware of the risks.
Scammers use many illegal, unethical or other dishonest ways to take advantage of investors and con them out of their money.

There are many effective ways to scam investors in the financial markets: pyramid / Ponzi schemes, pump and dump securities fraud, offshore investment scams and fraudulent “prime bank” programs – to name a few.

The internet has added more mechanisms that enable cybercriminals to operate.
Some scammers try to lure potential victims to buy “get-rich-quick” trading systems, “secret weapon” style investment formulas or “foolproof” strategies that supposedly give users considerable advantage on their way to financial prosperity.

Others operate legitimate-looking websites that promote bogus investment opportunities in nonexistent companies or products.
Sending mass emails or “newsletters” with fraudulent offers or for phishing purposes is another common method con artists use to cast a wide net and reach millions of potential targets quickly and inexpensively.

Taking these steps will help you find credible and reliable investment websites:

Apply Common Sense

Be skeptical of hype-filled pitches that supposedly “guarantee” a certain return with no apparent risk.
Don’t let your guard down and stay away from empty claims that promise big or quick profits.

Consult with an Independent Professional

Investments are a serious and risky business.
Before making an important decision, get a second opinion from an honest, third-party expert you fully trust, to get an unbiased analysis of the investment idea.

Investigate the Investment Company’s BBB Record

Check the company’s record on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
What you’ll find there, will help you evaluate whether it’s a legitimate business that deserves your money and trust or if you must look elsewhere.

Look for current BBB rating, customer reviews, complaints, warnings and alerts on their business profile.
In addition, learn how long it has been in business – a potential indicator of experience and reputation.

If the company is not even listed with the BBB, this is a terrible sign.
On the other hand, if the online investment platform is certified as a BBB Accredited Business, it’s an important positive signal.

Pay Close Attention to Red Flags

Learn how to protect yourself better when shopping on the internet, to avoid scammers and keep safe in general.
Knowing how to check if a website is legitimate or not is the first line of defense.