AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Self Directed IRA Services, Inc. ("SDISI"), a fast-growing, service-oriented custodian of alternative assets held in self directed IRAs, today announced an education initiative to provide investors the tools and resources necessary to safeguard them against fraud.

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"SDISI is committed to helping investors take the first step in preventing fraud through education," said SDISI President Kelli Click. "While investing in alternative assets opens the door for diversifying retirement funds, it may pose the risk of investment fraud, particularly for aging Americans who are often targeted by scam perpetrators."

As a member of Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA), SDISI endorses and promotes RITA's recently announced anti-fraud efforts.  RITA is a national trade group comprised of member banks, trust companies and other firms which specialize in the administration of self directed retirement accounts.  The association actively promotes best practice standards for its members, which include the largest independent custodians in the U.S.  In close coordination with state regulators and law enforcement agencies, RITA recently launched an initiative to develop fraud prevention materials which include a national education campaign and consumer investor awareness kit. These resources can be found HERE.

"SDISI is committed to supporting the efforts of RITA, industry colleagues and regulators in preventing investment fraud.  By bringing this issue to light, together we can raise investor awareness and help stop investment fraud," Click said.

SDISI's anti-fraud initiative includes the following:

• Educational information to inform its clients about the risk of investment fraud and how to prevent it. In January, SDISI sent information to clients about ways to detect investment scams. The information also included the recent Investor Alert issued by the Securities Exchange Commission entitled, "Self Directed IRAs and the Risk of Fraud" and RITA's Consumer Investor Awareness Notice.
• An online resource center with an array of fraud prevention information is now available at www.SDIRAServices.com. This online resource center provides links to teach investors how to identify signs of fraud and where to report fraud if suspected.
• A free video entitled, "Tricks of the Trade:  Outsmarting Investment Fraud" may be viewed on SDISI's website, or HERE. This 50-minute video is provided courtesy of Maryland Public Television.

Furthering efforts to protect consumers, SDISI has also notified employees that the Security and Exchange Commission has recently launched a web portal where individuals can report suspected investment fraud. It is called the Tips, Complaints, and Referrals System and can be found HERE.

"With the prevalence of so many investment scams in recent years, education and awareness is the critical step in preventing fraud," Click said.  "Together with RITA, SDISI aims to help investors protect their retirement nest egg."

About SDISI

Founded in 2008, SDISI has quickly grown to over $200M in alternative and traditional assets under custody in self directed IRAs. The company specializes in the custody of alternative investments for investors that wish to invest their retirement funds in real estate, precious metals, private equity, promissory notes and more. 

The company is headquartered in Austin, TX with a second office in Waco, TX.  As a subsidiary of Horizon Bank, SDISI is a regulated IRA custodian.  Its services are marketed nationwide to individuals and professional advisors including Registered Investment Advisors, financial advisors, broker dealers, accountants, attorneys and others.

For more information, please visit www.SDIRAServices.com or call 512.637.5739.

SDISI does not offer investment, tax or legal advice and does not evaluate, recommend or endorse any investments. 

SOURCE Self Directed IRA Services, Inc.