Quick checks
🇺🇸 United States
Red flags
Guaranteed returns: No legitimate investment can guarantee profits.
High-pressure tactics: "Limited time" offers or rushed decisions.
Offshore registration only: No US/Canadian regulatory oversight.
No physical address: Only P.O. boxes or foreign locations.
Wallet-only "brokers": Ask you to send crypto to personal wallets.
Document trails
US Investment Advisers
- • Form ADV Part 1 (business info)
- • Form ADV Part 2 (services & fees)
- • Disciplinary history
- • Assets under management
What to Review
- • Registration status and dates
- • Disciplinary actions or complaints
- • Business practices and conflicts
- • Fee structure transparency
Mini-CTA: Run BrokerCheck / IAPD / CIRO search before depositing $1. Legitimate brokers welcome regulatory verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a broker isn't in FINRA BrokerCheck?
They may not be registered to sell securities. Check if they're an RIA on SEC IAPD or avoid completely.
Does SIPC protect against trading losses?
No—SIPC only protects against broker failure, not investment losses from market risk.