Avelar Highlights Investor Education Resources

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – To help local residents invest soundly and stay clear of fraud, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is highlighting Investor.gov, a set of investor education resources available from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

“As more people use apps, smartphones, and the power of the internet to invest, including many investing for the first time, it is important to know that unbiased information is available to help understand investing, evaluate choices and protect against fraud,” Avelar said. “At Investor.gov, people can learn the ABCs of investing, understand common terms, access financial calculators and more in order to make themselves more informed as an investor.”

With the rise of mobile investing apps, nearly one-third of people ages 18 to 34 use at least one investing app on their phone according to Bankrate, Avelar is highlighting Investor.gov to help educate and protect consumers. Investor.gov is operated by the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy and acts as an educational resource to help investors make more informed decisions and avoid fraud. At Investor.gov, people can learn about how to get started saving and investing, setting goals and understanding risk. A variety of financial calculators and tools are available to verify that an investment professional or investment firm is registered with the SEC. Investor.gov also provides information on types of investment fraud and how to avoid being defrauded as well as resources for victims of investment fraud.

“No one can guarantee a return from investments, but by being better informed and educated, consumers can invest with confidence and build an investment plan that works for their needs,” Avelar added. “I highly recommend that anyone using an investment app, or just investing at all, utilizes Investor.gov to learn more about investing and protect themselves from fraud.”