The SEC recently charged four investment advisors who allegedly used free dinners to entice older clients to their firm. At these dinners, these individuals allegedly provided fraudulent marketing materials to the attendees and ultimately did not invest all of the money that they were given.

Granted these four advisors may just be bad apples and not an indictment of the use of free lunches or dinners to attract new clients and money. However, if you do engage in these types of “seminars”, this enforcement action should be a wake-up call.

The SEC and FINRA have made it very clearly how they intend to approach marketing efforts directly at seniors. Both regulators will be taking a hard look at these types of seminars used to attract elder investors.

So, if you are going to offer a free meal, make sure that you are giving something of value to your prospects. Do everything on the up and up when offering these types of opportunities because your regulator is watching.