Binary options, little-known investment tools used primarily by sophisticated investors, are involved in the most common type of scams reported to one regulatory telephone hotline. One scammer pretended to be a regulator and attempted to collect a fine for illegal trading. Callers also complained about identity theft by purported options traders who hijacked personal information investors used to open accounts.

Binary options are contracts that have investors pay a fee in return for the chance to profit on the answer to a yes-no question.

If not, the investor loses the fee. Binary options have legitimate uses for hedging risks by fund managers and other sophisticated investors. And the limited downside and low capital requirements make binary options attractive to some other investors.

However, they are rarely appropriate for most investors. The SEC warned that the options are highly risky and, in fact, investors will, on average, lose money on typical binary options. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing can give you a fresh debt-free start -- except for some surprisingly common types of debt.

Beware of John Falcoa Cash Capital System Binary Option Trading Software Deceptive Scheme

It may seem easier to keep a former employer's health plan coverage if you leave your job after age 65, but it's probably best to sign up for Medicare. If an insurance agent tries to sell you a whole life policy as a retirement saving vehicle, here's the inside scoop. Sure, you want to pay your debts. But accelerating payback on a student loan is not always a good idea.

The 10 Commandments of Forex Trading

Most frauds are perpetrated through offshore-based options platforms, where they are not subject to U. Because of that, binary options traders are advised to stick to U. Other countries are becoming more active. Italy, for instance, has banned binary options, Eisenberg said. And Eisenberg anticipates additional regulations on binary options trading in the U. The Commodities Futures Trading Commission lists registered exchanges and designated contract markets that are subject to U.

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Nov 16, 8: Prev 0 of 3 Next. Debts That Filing Will and Won't Erase A Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing can give you a fresh debt-free start -- except for some surprisingly common types of debt.

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