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If it sounds too good to be true...
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Well, you know how this saying goes, right?
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This is especially true when  it comes to investments.
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If you receive a pitch by phone, mail, or email
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that makes incredible financial promises,
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like high returns with a low risk,
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you might ask yourself, "How is this possible?"
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In most cases, it's not.
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Hi, I'm Michael Martel.
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United States Postal Inspector.
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Investment opportunities  or "get rich quick" schemes
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are a favorite of fraudsters.
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Whether they sell bogus securities or commodities,
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oil wells or gold coins,
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these fraudulent promoters try  to get you to invest your money.
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And lots of it.
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Older Americans are prime targets because
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they possess most of the  nation's individual wealth.
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Every year thousands lose between a few dollars
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to their entire life savings to swindlers.
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Even the most experienced investors can  be caught up in a good investment scam.
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The Bernie Madoff case is a perfect example.
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So how do you protect yourself from these  
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investment scam artists who  want to steal your money?
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Take time in deciding to invest.
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Don't rush into accepting these  "high-profit, low-risk" offers.
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Get all information in writing  before you consider investing.
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And check out the firm by calling  the Better Business Bureau,
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your state attorney general,
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or consumer protection agency.
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For more info on scams, visit uspis.gov.