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Secretary of State Rokita shines spotlight on fraud prevention during ‘America Saves Week’

(Indianapolis) – Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita has teamed up with America Saves Week to encourage Hoosiers not only to save but also to protect their hard-earned savings through fraud prevention.

The second national America Saves Week, which runs Feb. 24 to March 2, offers a chance to highlight savings, financial skills and state programs. In Indiana, specific goals are to motivate consumers to financial action by committing to save, invest and build wealth.

Rokita is calling on all Hoosiers to participate in America Saves Week to discover how to save, invest and most importantly safeguard their hard-earned savings from investment fraud.

"Ben Franklin once said, ‘A penny saved is a penny earned,’ which focuses on saving as the first step on the path to financial security," said Rokita. "This week we are encouraging Hoosier investors to take that advice one step further by following another Franklin saying, ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

Rokita explained that during America Saves Week, Hoosiers of all ages can learn firsthand how to guard their savings from investment fraud by becoming an educated and informed investor.

"You can visit our website, www.IndianaInvestmentWatch.com for valuable information on protecting yourself against investment fraud," Rokita said.

Rokita recommends these fraud prevention tips:

• Check the licensing and registration status of anyone dealing with investments at our website, www.IndianaInvestmentWatch.com
• Never pay cash or wire money for an investment.
• Take your time. Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics.

If you’ve been a victim of fraud contact our Securities Division at 1-800-223-8791 or visit www.IndianaInvestmentWatch.com

"Unfortunately anyone with a savings account, whether it’s $500 or $500,000, may be a target for con artists," Rokita said. "That’s why it’s important to defend your hard-earned savings from investment fraud."The Secretary of State’s office urges

Hoosiers to contact the Securities Division with any questions about an investment product, broker or adviser before making an investment.

"Remember the old adage, ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’," Rokita said. The Indiana Secretary of State’s office has joined other partners such as The Indianapolis Asset Building Coalition, the Consumer Federation of America, North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), Federal Reserve Bank, United Way of America, Department of Defense and others to promote savings during this special week.