striker report July, 2013 
   
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Internet Fraud: Avoid Becoming a Victim
We've all seen the emails: they show up in our in box each day, promising us fantastic returns on an unheard-of stock, if only we get in now on the ground floor. Most of us are too clever to fall for such obvious solicitations, and we delete them unread. However, the situation becomes less clear when we go hunting on-line for investment opportunities or advice. The Internet can be a bewildering place, full of apparently fool-proof opportunities for profit, "systems" which guarantee a steady return above the market, or trading advisory services that will make us "wealthy beyond our wildest dreams." It is often difficult to tell who's who on-line, and to separate the legitimate investment opportunities and companies from fraudulent ones. However, there are some common sense "rules of thumb" that can help protect you from on-line fraud. Many of these rules apply to all investment solicitations or offers, whether on-line or not.

1. Identify who's making the offer
Knowing whom you are dealing with is an essential component in determining the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Perpetrators of fraud will frequently hide behind phony web-sites or "companies" in order to mask their intent. If you know the solicitor's name, it is easier to determine if they have been investigated in the past for fraud or criminal activity. Organizations such as the NFA, FINRA, or the Better Business Bureau can help determine if you are dealing with potential fraud.

2. Be skeptical about past investment performance
In any given investment approach, past performance may not necessarily be indicative of future success. What's more, hypothetical, computer-generated results may present an unrealistic picture of a given strategy's likelihood of profitability. Do your homework in investigating all claims, in addition to determining who's making them.

3. Find out the registration status
Many brokers, investment advisors or trading strategy developers will be registered with an industry-recognized regulatory entity such as the National Futures Association (NFA) or the Financial Industry Regulating Authority (FINRA). These agencies exist in order to protect investors. Not all individuals offering investment opportunities are required to be registered with a regulatory organization. Again, do your homework in determining who is required to register. We recommend that traders use developers who are registered, especially for futures and stocks.

4. Be realistic in assessing risks and potential rewards.
As the saying goes, "if it sounds too good to be true, it is!" Be aware of the risks involved in any investment opportunity. Where there is the potential for profit, there may also be the potential for loss. Find out what risk management components if any are involved in any investment strategy you are considering. When trading riskier assets such as futures, commodities or Forex, trade using risk capital only.

5. Be wary of giving out financial information over the phone or on-line
Identity and credit card theft are growing dangers for consumers around the world. Guard your private financial information carefully, and only give out your credit number when you are absolutely sure you are dealing with a legitimate vendor with a secure means for credit card transaction.

6. Use the Internet to search
Web sites like Google and Yahoo can be useful tools for researching investment opportunities. Search and investigate.
  • In particular, look for the company name. Is the web site frequently updated? Phone them and find out.
  • If they are a system developer, see if the system is actively traded at other firms.
  • Striker can prove useful in this regard, as we've been trading systems for a number of years now. Feel free to call us for our opinion.
7. Above all, take your time.
In general, aggressive system developers or system providers are to be avoided. Take your time researching; you should never act hastily. Some web sites are very cleverly constructed and good at attracting attention, but it is wise to remember that for a thousand dollars a developer can make a web site appear to be a large, established business. Keep this fact in mind when browsing.
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Copyright © Striker Securities, Inc. All rights reserved.
There is a risk of loss in trading. It is the nature of commodity and securities trading that where there is the opportunity for profit, there is also the risk of loss. Commodity trading involves a certain degree of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. Derivative transactions, including futures, are complex and carry the risk of substantial losses. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Please read additional risk matters on our web site, www.striker.com. It is important you understand all the risks involved with trading, and you should only trade with risk capital. This communication is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient.

About this report The information and links on this website are for informational purposes. The risk of trading can be substantial and each investor and/or trader must consider whether this is a suitable investment. Past performance, whether actual or indicated by simulated historical tests of strategies, is not indicative of future results. Striker is a member of the National Futures Association ("NFA"), the Managed Funds Association ("MFA"), and the National Introducing Broker Association ("NIBA"). Striker is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), and was formerly registered with the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Additionally, Striker is a former member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC"). FINRA is the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities business in the United States. Please read Striker Disclosure Statement for the additional disclosure.

The trading performance cited throughout our web site is based on actual trading history, unless otherwise noted. The starting account balance is based on the system developer recommendation. Striker tracks actual performance by recording and maintaining each trade ticket for each system generated. The performance information assumes that no additions or withdrawals have been made. The rate of return for all systems disclosed in the Striker Report is cumulative from the day the system actually started trading at Striker. We maintain a "life" track for all 3rd party systems. We do not necessarily base our records on any particular client account. No one particular customer has achieved these results. The percentage returns reflect inclusion of commissions and fees.The actual percentage gains/losses experienced by investors will vary depending on many factors, including, but not limited to: starting account balances, market behavior, the duration and extent of investor participation (whether or not a client takes all signals for a system) in the specified system and money management techniques.

Striker is a revolutionary concept in action: an international, professional team of brokers dedicated to trading only for clients. It bears repeating: unlike most other brokers, Striker does NOT trade futures for itself or any of its employees. This policy has been in place from the start in order to guarantee that our entire focus remains on the interests of our clientele. Striker believes that when brokers are allowed to trade for themselves (or have in-house trading practices) there is a strong potential for conflict of interest, as the broker may place more importance on his own trading activities (or that of his firm's) than on those of his clients. Finally, Striker has no financial ties to system developers, so there no bias or pressure on how we report the actual trading results posted in our client section. This section is designed specifically for Striker's clients, so they may audit their results on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.