Simply put, if you know how to spot a bad investment or a fraudulent offer, it can save you from losing a lot of money. This article covers some key red flags to look out for when considering an investment.
Let’s dive in.
How To Spot A Bad Investment
1. High fees and expenses
High fees and expenses can significantly eat into your investment returns. These can be in form of management fees, custodial fees, administrative fees, this fee, that fee and other unnamed, hidden fees.
Be sure to read the fine print and understand all the fees associated with an investment before committing your money.
2. Promises of unrealistic returns
Be wary of investments that promise high returns with little or no risk. You see that’s the problem right there. High returns ALWAYS come with higher risk, and this is the basic principle of investing.
If an investment promises high returns without any risk, it is too good to be true. You don’t need to be told that 10% monthly returns is risky. Do your due diligence.
3. Lack of transparency
Lack of transparency is another red flag to look out for when considering an investment. Investments that lack transparency can also be a sign that the investment is high-risk or potentially fraudulent.
Ask for detailed information about the investment and the company. A good investment should be able to clearly explain its strategy, management team, and financials. If they are not willing to do so, steer clear.
4. Pressure to invest quickly
Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to get you to invest your money quickly, before you have a chance to fully research the investment.
Watch out for tactics like a limited-time investment opportunity i.e. creating a sense of urgency by saying that the investment will only be available for a short period of time.
5. Complex or hard-to-understand products
This comes down to understanding the investment before committing your money.
Examples of complex products include derivatives, hedge funds, and private equity funds, which can be difficult for the average investor to understand.
If you are unsure about a product, seek the advice of a financial advisor or a professional.
6. Unregistered or unlicensed sellers
Unregistered or unlicensed sellers may be operating outside of the law and may not have the necessary qualifications to sell investments.
Check with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to verify the registration and licensing of any investment professional or firm.
7. Lack of regulation
Unregulated investments do not have the same level of protection as regulated investments. Lack of regulation means that if you have any issues with the investment, you may not have any legal recourse.
8. Unsolicited offers
Here, scammers may use unsolicited phone calls, or emails to lure you into investing in a high-risk or fraudulent investment. We’ve all received a funny email or call like that. Don’t be surprised, people still fall for them.
Always be cautious of these offers and never give out personal or financial information.
Remember—if an investment offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, spotting a bad investment is crucial to protecting your savings and avoiding losing money. Investing surely always comes with some level of risk, but being informed and taking the time to research an investment can help minimize that risk.
RELATED ARTICLES
Already use the Cowrywise App? Leave us a review on Google.
Very educative. I have learnt alot thanks
Heads up guys, you are doing extremely good with educating us prospective investors. It goes a long way to differentiate between leaders in the investment game.
#Cowrywise it is, game changer in investment matters.
Thanks so much to you guys, am impressed with all you do to keep your customers inform.
Cowrywise keep up with the good work.
Very insightful piece.