Forensic Accounting
Brand Protection
Computer Forensics
Corporate Investigation

Volume 8 - No. 1                    Download PDF

In this edition of 
The Kessler Report:

Staying a Step Ahead of Stock Scams

Boiler Rooms Go
High-Tech: Online Investment Fraud

Signs You're Dealing With a Smooth Criminal

Web Monitoring Firms: Far Reaching or Far-Fetched?

Non-Compete Agreements: The Extra Step in Intellectual Property Protection

Q&A: Theft in the Workplace

Kessler's Corner:  Investment Fraud

FYI: Operation
Brand Aid

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Signs You're Dealing with a Smooth Criminal

There's no doubt you want to protect your assets, and certainly nobody wants to be the victim of a stock scam.  Before you invest, here are some signs you may be talking to a boiler room broker:  

• His words sound scripted.  Boiler room firms usually give employees pre-written pitches to follow at morning sales meetings.

• You can hear lots of commotion in the background.  These firms usually have dozens of callers working in the same tiny room at large tables.

• Your broker won't talk to you in person, only over the phone or e-mail.  There's probably a reason why he doesn't want you to see his face.

• He identifies himself as a top-level executive in the firm.  Most likely, he is just lying to gain your trust.

• You've never heard of his firm.

• You've never heard of the companies he is pitching.

• He says the stocks are only available to a select group of people or for a limited time.

• The stocks are those of a very small or micro-capitalization company.  Micro-caps are not required to file financial reports with the SEC, and are usually the riskiest investments.

• He will not allow you to speak to your wife or significant other (victims are almost always men).

• You are asked to wire funds overseas, or transfer money in another uncommon way, such as by courier.

• Calls to the firm concerning your investment are not returned or answered.

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