(Washington, DC) The Government of the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB), together with the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), today outlined a forecast of the 13 most common ways investors are likely to be trapped in 2006.

"This list highlights that there are predators in the financial services industry willing to prey on unsuspecting investors," said DISB Acting Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton, "especially our seniors and those who have not had much experience with investing."

Patricia Struck, NASAA president and Wisconsin Securities Administrator, added: "This list is anything but lucky. Investment scams can be devastating for the investor who falls victim, both financially and emotionally. Scams come in many disguises, but they all share a common goal of separating victims from their money. As regulators, we are especially concerned that as the first of the Baby Boomers turn 60 this year they not become trapped in bad investments as their retirement nears."

The "Unlucky 13" List of Investor Traps to watch for in 2006 was prepared by the Enforcement Trends Project Group of NASAA's enforcement section chaired by Michael J. Byrne, chief counsel of the Pennsylvania Securities Commission.

Before making any investment, Struck urged investors to ask the following questions: Are the seller and investment licensed and registered in your state? Has the seller given you written information that fully explains the investment? Are claims made for the investment realistic? Does the investment meet your personal investment goals?