Most investments are some form of securities that must be registered with the state securities regulator or with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Check to see if the investment opportunity is registered by contacting your state securities regulator. If the potential investment is not properly registered, do not invest.
Check the person. Is the person properly licensed with the state or with the SEC to sell this product? If not, beware. Is this person a broker, licensed to buy and sell stocks, bonds and other securities, or with an investment adviser, someone who is paid to provide advice about investing in securities but is not licensed to sell them?
Check the history. Does the person or their firms have had any complaints filed against them with regulators? Those who do business with an unlicensed securities broker or a firm that later goes out of business, may have no way to recover money.
One way caregivers can help protect their elderly loved ones from investment fraud is to strive for an open, two-way communication when it comes to finances. Make sure the loved one is comfortable talking about money honestly and openly without fear of reprisal. If possible, have them turn to you, or a trusted financial advisor or lawyer before making any investment. If an investor is real, he will have no problem speaking to his client's family member before taking the senior's money.