False Claims of SEC Registration
Fraudsters may try to lure you into investment scams, by falsely claiming to be registered with the SEC. These scams may involve advance fee fraud (including demanding more money to unlock frozen funds) and false claims that withdrawals are prohibited by government investigations. If a person or firm makes false claims about being registered with the SEC, do not trade with them, do not give them any money, and do not share your personal information with them.
Fraudsters may cite to a “press release” falsely announcing that they are registered with the SEC. They may show you a fake certificate—be aware that the SEC does not issue registration certificates. They may point to a filing, falsely claiming it is evidence of SEC registration—the fact that an individual or firm has made a filing with the SEC does not mean that the individual or firm is registered with the SEC.
ERA Filing Scams. Fraudsters may use SEC exempt reporting adviser (ERA) filings to create a false impression of legitimacy and to lure investors into scams. They may falsely tell investors that they are “registered” with the SEC or have a “certificate” from the SEC. ERAs are not registered with the SEC and ERAs are not allowed to give investment advice directly to individual investors. The SEC does not review the abilities or qualifications of ERAs. Do not trust a purported ERA that claims to be registered with the SEC or offers investment advice directly to individual investors.
Form D Investment Scams. Fraudsters may file a Form D with the SEC to give a false impression of legitimacy. They may then link to the Form D filing and falsely claim that the Form D represents an SEC certificate, license, registration, or approval. A Form D has nothing to do with whether an individual or firm is registered or licensed with the SEC. You should not trust anyone who points to a Form D filing as evidence of registration, licensure, or approval—in any capacity—with the SEC.
If someone offering you an investment product or service claims to be registered with the SEC, verify that this is true by using the free and simple search tool on Investor.gov. Do not invest with anyone who misrepresents that they are registered with the SEC. If someone falsely claims to be registered with the SEC, submit a complaint and report their misrepresentations to the SEC.
Additional Information
Investment Scams Involving Fake Form 4 Filings: Updated Investor Alert | Investor.gov
Investor Alert: Beware of False Claims of SEC Registration | Investor.gov
