Hot tips for online investors

	Opening an Online Brokerage Account
	Be sure that you receive full disclosure about the alternatives for buying and selling securities, and how you can obtain account information if you are unable to access the firm's web site.
	Ask for information that substantiates any firm advertising claims regarding the ease and speed of its online trading.
	Review the firm's privacy and web site security policies, and ask whether your name may be used for mailing lists or other promotional activities by the firm or any other party.
	Carefully review information about sales commissions and any conditions that may apply to advertised discounts on commissions. Even if online brokerage costs are lower than those of full-service brokers, they can still add up, particularly if you do a lot of buying and selling. Online brokerage firms can also impose a number of other fees and charges that you should study closely. Keep in mind, as well, the potential tax consequences of your trading. Before you start frequently buying and selling stocks online, give careful consideration to how the federal capital gains tax "bite" may affect your returns.
	Contact the Securities Division to verify the registration status and inquire about the disciplinary history of the online brokerage firm.