INVESTMENT TIPS ABOUND ON THE INTERNET, but how do you know which ones to trust? The steps below can help you to separate sound suggestions from dubious advice.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Be skeptical of phrases like “act now” and “limited offer"–which are designed to give you a feeling of urgency, to entice you to act before checking out all the facts. Trading on "inside information" is not only illegal but in most instances it's probably not from the "inside.” The term "risk free" does not exist in the investment world.

Check Facts: The Internet is a perfect tool for doing the necessary background research to check out a stock tip. You can find recent news about the company from reputable, mainstream sources, look up the company’s SEC filings (www.sec.gov), read research analysts’ reports, and more. At the bottom of this page, we have provided links to a few of the many sites that provide company information, news, and research tools.

The Internet is also the perfect place to be misled about the potential for stocks, especially in "chat rooms" or on "bulletin boards." Misrepresentation is easily achieved either through overstatement or through outright fraud. Be on guard for this kind of abuse.

Establish Credentials: Anyone can put up a web page, and faking an identity is not impossible on the Internet. Make every effort to be aware of the sources of your information and their credentials.

Press releases are only marketing tools.
A press release itself is not an independent news source–just what a company wants you to know about it. Press releases are a company’s way of putting its own spin on news, to show itself in the best light possible, whatever the situation. If a press release draws your attention, check out independent news sources for a fuller picture.

Greed is a form of temptation.
Don’t allow greed to override good judgment. Do your research and homework.

Suspicious sites/information can be reported to the Securities & Exchange Commission.
You can e-mail the SEC at help@sec.gov. Try to include information that will help the SEC identify and track those involved.