Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding investors in Illinois to beware of con artists seeking to capitalize on fear and uncertainty related to the current COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on financial markets.

“We know con artists use current events to set up schemes that seem legitimate and promising,” said White. “Scammers may claim that their investment opportunities involve companies that have solutions or cures for COVID-19 and are guaranteed to turn a profit. But remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

White warns that investors should be skeptical of no-risk guarantees and promises of profitable alternatives to the stock market. White reminds investors to always check to make sure that the salesperson or investment adviser they are dealing with is registered as required by federal law.

94.1 WGFA