FINRA has formed a partnership with the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans to help employers and employees protect themselves against early retirement scams. The partnership will offer two online brochures with tips on how to spot potential scams. One brochure, directed at employers, offers tips on how to evaluate the professionals and materials used at early retirement seminars. Employers may also submit materials to FINRA for review. A second brochure is designed specifically for employees.

The two resources are the result of two major FINRA enforcements. They are available at www.finra.org/investor and www.ifebp.org/FinancialLiteracyResources.

"While many third-party seminars offer solid information, others – especially those that promote early retirement – may include misleading, even fraudulent promises of big financial returns and the dream of a comfortable, but ultimately unsustainable, retirement lifestyle," says FINRA CEO Mary L. Schapiro.