University of Vermont
Commencement Ceremonies
Live Online
Here's Your Golden Ticket
Antiques Roadshow Sweepstakes
Latest Videos
Vermont This Week
May 17, 2013
Vermont Constitution Quiz
St. Michael's College
May 2013 Commencement
Investment fraud does happen … and it can happen to you. "Tricks of the Trade: Outsmarting Investment Fraud" is an hour-long documentary on preventing investment fraud. Utilizing compelling stories of victims and perpetrators, the video uncovers the persuasion tactics that con artists use to defraud their victims and the basic tools investors can use to defend against fraud.
Watch the sixty-minute documentary on preventing investment fraud.
To help communities respond to northern New England's economic challenges, public broadcasters in the tri-state region – New Hampshire Public Television, Maine Public Broadcasting Network and Vermont Public Television – formed a multi-platform collaborative television series and community engagement initiative. This 10-part series aired in all three states in 2009 and 2010. Here are some segments from the series that focused on investment fraud.
United States SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) Commissioner Elisse Walter is interviewed by Maine Correspondent Jennifer Rooks. They discuss some of the new ways criminals are targeting investors by exploiting "hot trends" such as mortgages and alternative energy investments.
Maine business owners Carolyn and Ray Thompson invested a lot of money in a wind turbine company because they liked the "green" aspect of the company. As it turns out, they likely threw their money into the wind and will never get any of it back.
By the time Bob Kalinowski realized that his Dad was being swindled out of his life savings, it was too late. Learn some of the warning signals of investment fraud and ways of starting a financial dialog with senior citizens, who are particularly vulnerable.
As the saying goes, there's no such thing as a free lunch; where "free lunch investment seminars" are concerned, this is particularly true. AARP is training volunteers to attend these free lunch seminars, and spot and report suspicious claims and promises.
Vermont Securities Division Examiner Bill Carrigan offers tips on how to detect and avoid investment scams.
The recession has made certain types of vacation propert, including timeshares, more affordable. But are timeshares really a good deal? Those familiar with the market advise that as a vacation plan it can work very well, but it may not be prudent as an investment.
John Gannon, president of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, talks with VPT correspondent Kristin Carlson about investing during challenging economic times.
