Due Diligence: 10 Steps to Avoiding Ponzi Schemes and Financial Fraud

by Karen C. Altfest

Bernie Madoff is now behind bars. But the uncovering of his enormous and long-running Ponzi scheme, and the fraud committed by several other financial hucksters, highlight the importance of asking the right questions and doing your own due diligence before selecting an advisor or participating in an investment.

What areas should you focus on when performing a due diligence review?

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Karen C. Altfest , Ph.D., CFP, is a principal advisor and executive vice president of client relations at Altfest Personal Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm founded in 1983 and based in New York City. She is a frequent speaker on the subject of women and money, and conducts educational seminars for female clients, recent widows and people looking to retire.
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Here are 10 basic steps all investors can take—as well as certain indicators that should serve as red flag warning signs of the potential for trouble down the road.

1) Question everyone before handing over your money.

Even if you are approached by a family friend, a relative, or a major financial institution, ask:

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→ Karen C. Altfest , Ph.D., CFP, is a principal advisor and executive vice president of client relations at Altfest Personal Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm founded in 1983 and based in New York City. She is a frequent speaker on the subject of women and money, and conducts educational seminars for female clients, recent widows and people looking to retire.

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