Publications
The CFTC continually strives to provide effective information and tools to help consumers avoid fraud. Below are some helpful resources on these topics. Bulk orders of certain publications are available free to organizations. If you have questions about any of these resources, please contact [email protected]. These publications should not be resold.
Brochures
The CFTC’s Role in American Agriculture
By fostering fair, well-functioning markets, the CFTC plays a critical role in ensuring prices reflect actual supply and demand forces in the U.S. agricultural economy. [PDF]
Commodity Futures Trading Commission - Overview
The mission of the CFTC is to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of the U.S. derivatives markets through sound regulation. [PDF]
Before Investing in Commodity Pools
Consider the pros, cons, and managers carefully. Also be sure you receive and review all mandatory disclosures. [PDF]
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
Criminals target experienced investors to steal their savings. They’re crafty and good at what they do. Learn how to spot the tactics fraudsters use and how to check qualifications, disciplinary histories, and registrations. [PDF]
Account Statement and Trade Confirmation Checklist
Check trade confirmations and monthly or quarterly account statements routinely to spot mistakes or signs of possible trouble. Find out what to look for and what to do if you spot something wrong. [PDF]
Advisories
Customer Advisory: Beware of Gold and Silver Schemes Designed to Drain Your Retirement Savings
Some unregistered gold and silver dealers are advising investors to use relaxed retirement plan distribution rules in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to buy precious metals. But customers should talk to qualified retirement, tax, or legal advisors first. [PDF]
Customer Advisory: Learn About Risks Before Investing in Commodity ETPs or Funds
Trading vehicles that use futures contracts or other commodity interests may be organized as exchange-traded products or mutual funds, but that does not necessarily mean they will behave like traditional exchange-traded funds or mutual funds that invest in stocks, bonds or other asset classes. [PDF]
Customer Advisory: Beware of Fee Scams Targeting Workers Sidelined by COVID-19
Unregistered brokers selling binary options, foreign exchange (forex) programs, and cryptocurrencies are targeting people who lost their jobs due to COVID-19. The scams promise unrealistically high profits, but later force victims to pay excessive “fees” and “taxes” to get their supposed earnings. [PDF]
Fraudsters commonly use major news events, such as the spread of COVID-19, to add credibility to their cons or manipulate emotions. You can better protect yourself by learning to recognize common mental biases that everyone has, as well as common fraud tactics—and by taking a few preventative steps. [PDF]
Customer Advisory: Use Caution When Buying Digital Coins or Tokens
The market for digital coins and tokens is still very young and there is no widely-accepted standard for placing a value on a particular coin or token. You need to ask about your rights, research what could affect the future value of a digital coin or token, and exercise caution. [PDF]