* Never send cash or a cashier's check through the mail or give it to a messenger sent by the salesperson. Never give your credit card number over the phone.

* Deal only with firms and individuals you have researched and trust.

* Beware of any investment offered by a stranger over the phone. Never send money for the purchase of an investment as a result of a telephone sales pitch.

* Do your homework. Don't invest in something you don't understand.

* A high-pressure sales pitch means trouble. Be suspicious of anyone who encourages you to make an investment decision immediately.

* Beware of promises of spectacular profits. Investments with great profit potential also have a great amount of risk.

* Beware of testimonials. Scam artists hire people to assert that certain investments brought them great wealth.

* Never write a check to the sales representative.

* Be suspicious of sending checks to addresses that are different from the brokerage firm address, especially P. O. box addresses.

* Don't make any unwarranted assumptions. If it is not in the prospectus, you cannot assume it to be accurate.

* Save all records of transactions and correspondence with the broker/advisor and the firm. Never part with original documents.

* Take notes of your conversations with your broker/advisor (and include the date).

* If in doubt - do not invest.