Basic InvestorU.S. Module 02 · Verify before acting
Understand the investment, then verify the person and the offer.
Investing decisions connect a goal, time horizon, risk capacity, diversification, costs and trustworthy information. A polished website or recent return is not evidence that an offer is suitable or legitimate.
A repeatable review
Ask five questions before a decision.
- Goal: What is the money for, and when might it be needed?
- Exposure: What does the investment own, and where is it concentrated?
- Cost: What product, trading, advice, account and currency costs apply?
- Disclosure: What documents explain risks, conflicts, liquidity and conditions?
- Registration: Is the firm or professional registered for the service offered?
Pressure to act quickly, secrecy, unusual payment methods, private-chat instructions or promises of no risk should create a pause. Find official contact information independently and verify before sending money or documents.
This lesson is general education, not an individualized investment recommendation.
Private verification checklist
Record what you will verify next.
Save a short pause-and-verify plan on this device. Do not enter account numbers, passwords or copies of identity documents.
Primary references: SEC Investor.gov, FINRA Investing Basics and the SEC’s investor-protection role. Reviewed August 6, 2026.
Use official channels, not supplied links.
Locate regulator, firm and professional information independently. Keep copies of documents and communications, and ask a trusted person or qualified professional to review an unfamiliar decision before money moves.