Ducks have the natural ability to avoid getting soaked. They navigate the water in rain or shine and simply let the water roll off their backs. It would be great to have that ability when it comes to investing, to take on any investment knowing you could not be hurt.

Fact is, that's just a dream, and unfortunately, fraud and financial difficulties are often the reality of bad investments.

Just as you need an umbrella to keep from getting wet in a rainstorm, understanding investment risks and becoming money-wise may help you avoid getting "soaked."

Investments involve taking risks, pure and simple. And while it is nearly impossible to eliminate all risks, there are certain elements you should look for when investing.

Okay, you're thinking about investing or you have been approached to invest. What protection will you give yourself to avoid getting soaked? This brochure is designed to give you a list of elements to look for to reduce the risk and to better protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.

• TIME PRESSURE Will this deal be here tomorrow? If you are being pressured to "act now," think twice. Your money may leave as quickly as this "opportunity."

• GUILT Is the person you are dealing with trying to make you feel guilty? Is he taking advantage of a friendship or relationship? How about making you feel silly or stupid? This is your money. Take time to decide; investments are your choice.

• RESEARCH Who is this person who is making the pitch to you? What company does he/she represent? What is the product you're investing in? Use the same effort in researching the investment as you would with any major purchase.

• CAN YOU AFFORD IT? Will you lose everything...cars, retirement funds, your home? What can you risk and still provide for you and your family? Will a lifetime of work be lost on a gamble? If you can't afford to lose what you invest, perhaps you should re-think the whole deal.

• INSIDER TRADING It is illegal to make money by using information unavailable to the public. This type of a "sure thing" might just land you in jail.

• QUICK PROFITS Promises of extra high rates of return and quick profits are naturally appealing to everyone, but they are also warning signs of high risk. Make sure you research the investment carefully.

• BUY AND SELL When approached to buy stock, find out how much you would get if you bought or sold the stock today. Then call a stockbroker to check the quoted prices.

• ANNUAL REPORT Does the company have an annual report, 10K or prospectus you can look at before investing? What is the company's background? Who are the officers?

• PHONE CALLS You have a lot of power when it comes to unsolicited phone calls. If you are receiving undue or uncomfortable pressure, or if other "warning flags" arise during the conversation...hang up.

• TALK TO SOMEONE KNOWLEDGEABLE Before you invest, check with someone who understands investments and who has nothing to lose or gain from your action. Or call the Utah State Division of Securities, at (801) 530-6600

It's sometimes hard, when "a sure thing" comes around, to say "no" or to take time to research the opportunity. And you may say to yourself, "I could never be gullible enough to become a victim of fraud." Fact is, there are good and bad investments and there are people who are willing to tell you anything to get your money. But by taking steps to protect yourself, you can distance yourself from fraud or a high-risk investment that you can't afford to make.