Do not overstate your income, net worth and objectives and ask for a copy of your new account information form.
Brokers have a legal obligation to collect information about their customers' financial resources, investment objectives, and risk tolerance. Every brokerage firm has a form (usually called a New Account Form) on which this information is recorded.
Stockbrokers sometimes make up this information. Sometimes stockbrokers will get clients to overstate their income, net worth and risk tolerance, often with statements like "he'll look like a bigger fish and get better access to the hot deals."
Your best protection, especially at a reputable brokerage firm is to conservatively tell them what you are worth, with and without your home, and remember to deduct loans. Be conservative in stating your income and your objectives.
Investors should always ask for a copy of the new account form which contains this information and make sure it contains accurate information. If your resources are overstated or your investment objective is shown as "speculation" when you have told the broker you are a conservative investor, there is cause for concern. If there was a misunderstanding, an honest broker will be happy for the opportunity to correct it.
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