#79 SECURITIES ARBITRATION Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 25 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

“Losing money in an investment is not automatically misconduct—and proving misconduct requires evidence.”

25 Buyer-Beware Warnings

1. ☐ Identify the investment.
2. ☐ Identify the brokerage/adviser.
3. ☐ Preserve account statements.
4. ☐ Preserve trade confirmations.
5. ☐ Preserve communications.
6. ☐ Preserve offering documents.
7. ☐ Identify representations made.
8. ☐ Identify when representations were made.
9. ☐ Document losses.
10. ☐ Document fees.
11. ☐ Identify suitability issues where relevant.
12. ☐ Identify unauthorized trading allegations where relevant.
13. ☐ Identify disclosure issues.
14. ☐ Review account agreements.
15. ☐ Determine whether arbitration applies.
16. ☐ Identify the forum.
17. ☐ Check applicable deadlines.
18. ☐ Preserve electronic evidence.
19. ☐ Avoid deleting messages.
20. ☐ Calculate damages carefully.
21. ☐ Verify securities-arbitration experience.
22. ☐ Understand fee arrangements.
23. ☐ Understand arbitration costs.
24. ☐ Don’t exaggerate claims.
25. ☐ Have counsel evaluate the actual evidence.