Don’t think you can become the victim of investment fraud? Neither did the 100+ investors who trusted Bryan Keith Noel of Hendersonville with approximately $10 million of their money. Nor did the clients of J.V. Huffman, Jr., of Conover, who invested about $25 million with him.

Both Noel and Huffman were convicted of investment fraud, and overnight their clients went from investors to victims. Noel was sentenced to 25 years in prison, Huffman to 30 years, but their clients will likely never fully be repaid.

“Scammers and Fraudsters: Guarding Your Assets in a Scary World,” a multi media presentation, will be presented on Wednesday, March 9 at the Depot, located at 22 Depot Street in Tryon. The public is invited and admission is free. There will be two presentations, one at 2:30 p.m. and the other at 5:30 p.m., in order to accommodate different schedules. The program lasts about 45 minutes.

The speaker will be John Maron, director of the Investor Education program for the Securities Division of the North Carolina Department of Secretary of State, who will be in town for the occasion. The securities division is responsible for regulating registered investment adviser firms within the state.

Attendees will learn how to recognize and avoid investment scams. Maron will discuss the key differences between a stockbroker, investment adviser and financial planner and their responsibilities to clients. Attendees will also learn how to spot the red flags of potential investment fraud, how to do appropriate due diligence and which questions to ask an investment professional.

Maron will share some real-life horror stories from right here in North Carolina and will also help attendees understand what to do if they ever become a victim of investment fraud.

This is an educational event; no products or services will be offered or sold.

The program is sponsored by Millard & Company. For additional information, contact Tabatha Cantrell at 828-859-7001.