FINRA - Investor Information - Protect Yourself from Early Retirement Scams

Your company offers retirement benefits to help your employees lay the groundwork for financial independence when they leave the workplace. There is one more thing you can do for those employees nearing retirement—help ensure they do not fall prey to early retirement scams that may wipe out years of savings and company benefits.

These steps can help ensure your employees receive sound financial information in a seminar:

CHECK that the person who wants to talk to your employees is properly qualified to talk about early retirement issues.
CONFIRM that the speaker has obtained all necessary approvals from his or her company to offer the early retirement seminar and that seminar and other sales materials have been approved as required.
REVIEW seminar materials such as handouts, slides and speaker’s notes to identify red flags that suggest the content may be problematic.
REFER seminar materials to FINRA if you are not comfortable with what you see.

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Resources for Employees

Early Retirement Seminars 101: Smart Tips for Spotting Retirement Scams

For many Americans, retirement can be an alluring stage of life—a time when many hope to finally have the time to try new hobbies or travel. But retiring comfortably and being able to do the things you dream about requires a steady stream of income that lasts as long as you do. The earlier you retire, the more important it is to manage your retirement assets wisely.

Unfortunately, some financial “experts” tout early retirement schemes that promise more than they can deliver. This brochure will help you avoid being misled by flawed or even fraudulent retirement pitches, particularly those that dangle the prospect of early retirement with little or no reduction in income compared to your working years.

Because the allure of a leisurely retirement can be very tempting, and those who promote early retirement schemes can be extremely persuasive, it's critical to think carefully before you act.

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News Release

FINRA Introduces Resources for Companies, Employees to Guard Against Early Retirement Seminar Scams