Good recordkeeping is one of the best ways for Ohioans to protect themselves against securities fraud, said Ohio Securities Commissioner Thomas E. Geyer. In connection with April’s observance of Saving and Investing Education Month, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities is announcing the availability of the Investor Notepad to help Ohioans maintain a clear and accurate record of their conversations with their securities brokers.

This year’s Saving and Investing Education Month campaign is designed to help raise financial IQ’s and protect Ohio residents against the growing problem of securities fraud.

"By filling out the notepad when speaking with a broker over the phone or in person, investors have a guide to the kinds of questions they should ask before investing and can increase their chances of prevailing if any disputes with their broker should arise," Commissioner Geyer said.

The free notepad, which consists of fifteen, two-sided 8 1/2" x 11" sheets, prompts investors to record information such as the date of the conversation, the broker's name and CRD number, the nature of the investment, how the investment was described, and the cost per share and the number of shares ordered.

Commissioner Geyer noted that it is important for investors to ask their broker for their CRD number. The CRD number corresponds to the broker's record in the Central Registration Depository, a computer database maintained by the National Association of Securities Dealers. Before engaging in any transaction, investors should always check the CRD to see if the broker and their firm are licensed in Ohio and if any disciplinary actions have been taken against them.

Ohioans can request the free investor notepad and other investor education materials by calling the Division of Securities Investor Protection Hotline at 800-788-1194. The notepad and other materials can be downloaded from the division’s web site at www.securities.state.oh.us

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