Internet investment scams prey on the notion that your investment can increase rapidly with very little risk and help from insider secrets and foreign countries. Signs that an investment opportunity may be a scam include the advertisement of a "risk-free" investment, an investment offer from a foreign country, online postings that urge you to buy and sell stock quickly, or offers to turn small investments into thousands of dollars in a short period of time.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is responsible for the investigation of allegations pertaining to Internet investment fraud and has put together an on-line guide to help you determine the legitimacy of an investment and the companies that offer them.