With conflicting headlines like these over the last 10 days, many current and prospective investors are probably wondering: Where can I go to learn some of the basics of investing?

"For those concerned about the roller coast ride in the markets, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities reminds Ohioans that it is important to understand the basics of investing," said Ohio Securities Commissioner Thomas E. Geyer. "We have a wealth of information through our investor education publications that can help take some of the mystery out of the investing process."

During April’s observance of Saving and Investing Education Month and throughout the year, the following publications are available on the Division of Securities web site at www.securities.state.oh.us or by calling the division’s Investor Protection Hotline at 800-788-1194 (or 466-4100 in central Ohio):

• Investor Notepad -- a checklist for use when talking to brokers
• Bulletin for Older Investors handout (in large type)
• How To Spot and Avoid Boiler Room Scams/Protecting Yourself Against High Pressure Sales Tactics handout (in large type)
• THINK: Considerations Before You Invest handout
• Investor Bill of Rights handout
• How To Spot A Con Artist handout
• Who's Who In The Financial Planner and Investment Adviser Field handout
• Mutual Funds handout
• Questions For Informed Investors handout
• ABC’s of Selecting an Investment Adviser
• An Introduction to the Ohio Securities Law for Start-up and Small Businesses
• Cyberspace Fraud and Abuse
• How Older Americans Can Avoid Investment Fraud and Abuse
• Financial Literacy Quiz
• "Billy and the Basketball" Coloring Book

The following publications are offered on the web site only:

• Blind Pool Investment Offerings
• Foreign Currency Trading Frauds
• Bogus "IRA Approved" Investment Schemes
• Commodity Investments
• International Investment Fraud
• Micro-Cap Fraud

The following publications are available through the Investor Protection Hotline at 1-800-788-1194 (or 466-4100 in central Ohio):

• "Investigate Before You Invest Telephone Reminder Sticker" which highlights the Investor Protection Hotline

• "How To Select A Securities Salesperson" brochure

• "Avoiding Fraud In Your Securities Investments" brochure

• "Preying On The Faithful/Avoiding Investment Swindlers Who Target Religious Groups" handout

Through the Investor Protection Hotline, investors also can check on whether their securities salesperson and brokerage firm are licensed to sell securities in Ohio and if there are any disciplinary records against them. Another feature of the hotline permits prospective investors to check on whether a security is properly registered with the state of Ohio. Individuals who believe they are victims of securities fraud can request a complaint form by calling the hotline.

Through the Division's web site, individuals who believe they are victims of securities fraud can use the on-line complaint form to report the incident to the Division of Securities.

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