A stranger who calls either on the telephone or at your door should be regarded with the utmost caution. In these circumstances, it is not impolite to simply say that you are not interested. Trusting strangers is a mistake that all too many older Americans make when it comes to personal finances. The California Department of Corporations can help you with information on firms and individuals in the securities and investments industries, including stockbrokers, investment advisers and financial planners. Always stay in charge of your money .
Constant vigilance is a necessary part of being a successful investor.
Successful con artists sound extremely professional and combine professional-sounding sales pitches with extremely polite manners. Don't be fooled. Good manners and a slick sales pitch have nothing to do with real integrity and have no bearing on the soundness of an investment opportunity. Watch out for salespeople who prey on your fears. Con artists take advantage of the fears of many older Californians that they will outlive their savings or that all their financial resources will disappear as a result of a catastrophe.