How do I select a securities salesperson? How do I protect my investments against fraud? How can I spot a con artist? What information am I entitled to from my securities salesperson?

These questions and others are answered in several free publications available from the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities.

"As more and more Ohioans become responsible for their retirement savings, we are trying to take some of the mystery out of the investing process," Director of Commerce Donna Owens said. "Through a wide variety of investor education materials, we are educating Ohioans on the risks, rewards and potential pitfalls of the investment process."

To coincide with the first National Summit on Retirement Income Savings at the White House (June 4-5), Ohio Securities Commissioner Thomas Geyer announced that the following investor education materials are available from the Division of Securities:

• "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

• "Bulletin for Older Investors" handout (in large type)*

• "How To Spot Boiler Room Scams/Protecting Yourself Against High Pressure Sales Tactics" handout (in large type)*

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

• "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*

Any or all of these free publications can be ordered by calling the Division of Securities Investor Protection Hotline at 800-788-1194, or 466-6140 in central Ohio. Publications designated with an asterisk are also available on the Division's website at www.securities.state.oh.us

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