Financial scams are affecting Linn County residents on a regular basis and state and local law enforcement agencies are campaigning to educate consumers about the current scams that could potentially affect us all.

Here are some tips from the Oregon Division of Financial and Corporate Securities, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services:

• Resist high pressure investment sales tactics. Take your time to make sound decisions.

• Keep copies of all financial documents and keep them in a safe place in your home.

• Be aware of free investment seminars. A free lunch may not be free.

• Check out financial professionals. Call the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services at 1-866-814-9710 to investigate before you invest.

• There is no such thing as a "no risk" investment opportunity. All investments carry some level of risk.

• Never offer your personal information to an unsolicited phone caller or via an e-mail.

• Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. Keep it in a safe place in your home.

• If you believe you may be a victim of a financial scam, contact the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services at 1-866-914-9710.

• Always check your financial statements for accuracy.

• Always get a prospectus or other written documents when considering an investment opportunity.

• Listen to your inner voice. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Get a second opinion on an investment opportunity before signing on the dotted line.

There will be a free community event on this topic on Nov. 12. Two sessions will be offered: One session is from 9 a.m. to noon and the other is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration and information booths will be open a half hour prior to each event. The event will be held at the Central Electrical Training Center in Tangent and reservations are required.

Call 1-877-926-8300 or visit online to reserve a place at either session.

Jo Ann McQueary and Cathy Morris are community service specialists with the Linn County Sheriff's Office. McQueary can be reached at 259-6126 and Morris at 258-6940.