Feeling uncomfortable about an investment you’ve been considering? 

Not sure if you should believe your friend when they say the opportunity is too good to be missed?

First, familiarize yourself with common investment scams. Check out the latest warning signs and investor advisories posted by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA).

Also, you can research a particular company or individual offering an investment. Conduct a search to see if there has been disciplinary or enforcement actions taken against a company and/or individual, and to see if they are registered. Specifically, do the following:

• Visit the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website for information on investment adviser representatives and firms registered with state securities regulators and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
   
• Find information on brokers via the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) BrokerCheck.

If you still have concerns, contact the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance by calling (402) 474-2171 or clicking here.

Filing a Complaint About an Adviser or Broker

If you’re an investor or potential investor who has a concern or complaint about your adviser, take the following steps:

• Contact the adviser directly. Be sure to make detailed notes of any conversations. If there has been a miscommunication or administrative error, it may be easily fixed.
   
• Write to the branch manager with a copy to the firm’s compliance officer.
   
• If you are unable to resolve the issue with your adviser, or are not comfortable raising the issue, you should contact the branch manager or compliance officer to see what may be done. If you are still unsatisfied, contact the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance. We’re here to help.

For information choosing an investment services professional, click here.