Real Estate Financing, Sales & Acquisition Services

Investor Report .....

Investor protection against fraud and scams related to business and investment should be everyone's concern. This report helps you avoid scams, criminal ripoffs and investment fraud. Protect your best interests!

Tips on How To Avoid Scams ....

Advance Fee Loan Scams ....

Here is how to determine which lenders/brokers are legitimate:

Certain fees are appropriate. Legitimate lenders may require you to pay application, appraisal or credit report fees. These fees are never required before you complete an application and the lender is identified.

Question what the fee is for. Ask for a written detailed description of the lender's fee. Don't fall for the claim that upfront fees will help lock in a guaranteed rate. Also ask for a written letter of commitment. Typically lenders will provide a letter with stipulations. Be sure you understand these stipulations and that they are realistically attainable. The term "best efforts" combined with up-front fees are major Red Flags!

Don't act too quickly. Scam artists are very eager to get your vital information, i.e., social security number, credit card number, bank account information, etc. Don't do it over the phone unless you know who you are dealing with.

 Other Investment Scams ....

• When hounded by high-pressure tactics ... hang up!

• Be wary of advertisements in newspapers and other publications which give little or no information other than an "800" number.

• Never make an immediate decision. Get written information first about the firm, the sales person and the investment.

• Always seek out the advice of a professional (lawyer, accountant or broker) before parting with your money.

• Avoid investments you do not understand. The less you know about the offering, the greater the chance you will be swindled.

• Never give out your credit card number over the phone to strangers.

Contact your state Securities Commission office to find out if the firm and sales person are properly registered to conduct business in your state. A call to the Better Business Bureau in the city in which the firm is located may turn up calls from investors who have been victimized.

If you suspect that you have been contacted by a scam artist, notify your state's Securities Commission office and notify them of the firm and sales persons name and phone number. Your prompt action could protect less wary investors.

Where to Report Fraud .......

Here are some sources of help and information if you receive an offer that sounds too good to be true. If you feel that an offer is bogus please do us all a favor and report the person(s) and company involved as soon as possible.

• National Fraud Information Center, (800) 876-7060, www.fraud.org

• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, (800) 732-0330, www.sec.gov

• Council of Better Business Bureaus, www.bbb.org

• Commodity Futures Trading Commission, www.cftc.gov

• North American Securities Administrators Assoc., (202) 737-0900

• National Association of Securities Dealers, (800) 289-9999

• Federal Trade Commission, www.ftc.gov

• Unwanted Telephone Solicitations, www.DoNotCall.gov

To get your name removed from most mailing lists write to: Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008