Concerned About Fraud?
Fraud and Self-Directed IRA’s
As with all realms of investing, fraud exists in the world of self-directed IRA plans. The Securities and Exchange Commission has posted an investor alert bulletin on the issue.
The key area where one needs to be concerned about risk is with the investments one might make with their plan. Fraud is generally not a concern at the plan layer, as all self-directed IRA custodians are regulated and monitored in the same fashion as any other bank or brokerage that holds IRA accounts.
As you may know, well-known Wall Street firms are fined billions of dollars every year for investor fraud and deception that strips away millions of hard earned retirement investment dollars. And, the SEC, no matter how many investor “alerts” they issue, cannot prevent the fraudsters on Wall Street, or Main Street, from raiding your wallet…any more that a stop sign can prevent an automobile accident.
What You Should Know About Safeguard
To ease your mind a bit, it is important to point out that Safeguard Advisors was established in 2005. We maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and we have never had any type of complaint lodged against us.
During the processing and set up of your plan, we never have access to your retirement funds. Funds are either transferred directly or rolled over from your current custodian/administrator to another Self Directed custodian, administrator or trustee. You always have control of the funds…no one else does.
Safeguard Advisors does not sell or recommend investment products. We provide you with control over your funds and the flexibility to invest as you choose.
Bottom Line
The only way to protect yourself is to know with whom you are doing business. Take the time to perform due diligence before making an investment. Start by asking for references, then check out the people involved with an investment and make sure they have a clean financial and criminal background. You can run a check on someone for about $100 through companies like InvestigativeProfessionals.com. And, remember, if it sounds too good to be true…
