Learning Resources

They promise safety, but when you move your money from a 401(k) or IRA to a “self-directed” IRA, there are fewer safeguards between you and unscrupulous dealers who charge excessive fees and overinflate coin prices.

Many fraudulent gold and silver dealers use affinity—pretending to be like you and others in your social group—to gain your trust and use your beliefs against you.

Spot metal prices are quoted in troy ounces, but some coins are only fractions of an ounce. If you’re sold a half-ounce coin the price should be roughly half the quoted spot price. Don’t let fraudsters pull a fast one. Check their math, and what they’re selling you.

If you realize you’re working for a fraudster who’s ripping people off, submit a whistleblower tip and receive up to 30 percent of any money the CFTC recovers. Find out more.

It is natural to feel regret or shame after discovering you’ve been ripped off. One way to shed those negative feelings is by helping others. Report the fraud to the authorities. Your tip could be the one that stops the fraud and brings the perpetrators to justice.

Do your homework: Check the current spot price for bullion then compare prices and fees starting with local businesses and coin dealers. Also, be sure to learn about recent online scams or IRA swindles, and stay alert.

As of 2024, only certain coins—those of a specific weight and purity deemed “bullion”—can go into a self-directed IRA (SDIRA). If someone tries to sell you high-priced “rare” or “collectible” coins for an SDIRA stop and do your research as collectibles can’t currently be held in a SDIRA.

Rollover scams target your 401(k) or IRA savings and use fear or distrust in institutions to convince you to move your money into a “self-directed” IRA, which makes it easier to rip you off.

More people lose money to frauds on social media than any other forms of engagement. This panel of fraud and disinformation experts discuss what makes social media an effective platform for fraud, and what regulators, educators, and users can do to stem the tide. [1:15:05]

Maybe you’re ready to let AI take the wheel of your trading and investment journey, but is AI capable of making your financial decisions? This panel of experts discuss how good AI is it at spotting hazards or sharp turns in market direction. [58:50]

This two-panel virtual event was held in recognition of World Investor Week 2022. The first panel explores recent trends in digital assets and meme investing. The second panel discusses the Future of Money featuring experts from several federal agencies. [2:15:47]

When Nick and Lowell tried to withdraw money from their allegedly insured binary options trading accounts, they hit a wall. Watch their stories to learn the telltale signs of binary options fraud, so you can steer clear. [5:49]

How does binary options fraud work? How can you recognize and avoid it? And what should you do if you suspect you’re being defrauded? We answer these questions and talk to real investors in the first episode of our series, The Truth Behind Binary Options Fraud. [6:28]

There are many ways to ensure a deal is right for you. Bob’s investigation process included online research and meeting with his broker in person. But it didn’t include checking his broker’s or the company’s background — and it cost him. [4:49]