Ten online investing tips

By CNN Staff Writer Rob Lenihan
June 5, 2000: 7:56 a.m. ET

1. Receive full disclosure before opening your account about alternatives for buying and selling securities, and how to obtain account information if you cannot access the firm's Web site.
2. Know that most likely you are not directly linked to the market and the click of a mouse does not instantly execute the trade.
3. Get information from the firm to verify advertised claims about the ease and speed of online trading.
4. Ask the company about major Web site outages, delays and other interruptions to securities trading and account access.
5. Find out before trading about entering and canceling orders and the details and risks of margin accounts.
6. Determine whether you are receiving delayed or real-time stock quotes and when your account information was last updated.
7. Review the firm's privacy and Web site security policies and whether your name may be used for mailing lists or other promotional activities by the firm or any other party.
8. Receive clear information about sales commissions and fees and conditions that apply to any advertised discount on commissions.
9. Know how to, if necessary, contact a customer service representative with your concerns and request prompt attention and fair consideration.
10. Contact your state or provincial securities agency to verify the registration/licensing status and disciplinary history of the online brokerage and, if appropriate, file a complaint.