Release Number 6233-12

April 17 2012

CFTC, National Futures Association, and AARP co-sponsor "Avoiding Fraud is Your Best Money Strategy" during Money Smart Week

The seminar, "Avoiding Fraud is Your Best Money Strategy," will be held in Chicago

Washington, DC — Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), National Futures Association (NFA), and AARP will co-sponsor a seminar that aims to provide individuals and community leaders with the tools they need to help protect themselves and others from investment fraud. The seminar, "Avoiding Fraud is Your Best Money Strategy," will be held on Thursday, April 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the AARP Illinois office, located at 222 N. LaSalle, Suite 710 in Chicago, Illinois.

This event is one of a series of free classes, seminars and activities promoting financial education that will take place during Money Smart Week Chicago (April 21-28), coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

During the seminar, representatives from the CFTC and NFA will provide attendees with advice on how to identify warning signs and avoid investment fraud.

“When making important financial decisions, even simple actions like asking a few smart questions can help set people on the right course,” said CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler. “CFTC exists to protect Americans in financial markets and to ensure the integrity of the marketplace for investors.

"Investment fraud occurs all too often and affects people from all walks of life," said NFA Senior Vice President Karen Wuertz. "That's why we offer simple, practical steps everyone can take to avoid becoming a victim of a financial con artist."

“After a lifetime of preparing for a secure retirement, too many older Americans are having their security threatened by financial predators,” said Ryan Gruenenfelder, Associate State Director for AARP Illinois. “AARP is proud to co-sponsor this informative session that will give people the tools and resources they need to avoid becoming a victim.”

Anyone wishing to attend the NFA/CFTC/AARP program should pre-register by calling (312) 458-3607.

For more information on our organization’s anti-fraud efforts visit:

CFTC - Consumer Protection

NFA – Investor’s Information

AARP – Scams-Fraud

Last Updated: April 17, 2012