Official warns about misleading postcard

Missouri residents are asked to be on the lookout for misleading postcards targeting investors. The postcards notify residents that an annuity they may have "has reached the end of its surrender period," according to a news release from Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. Recipients are told to call a toll-free number to "discuss their options." The postcard says the expiration of a surrender period would adversely affect an investor, which is untrue. A surrender period simply means one can withdraw money from an investment without penalties, the release stated. Carnahan's Securities Division was conducting an investigation. Anyone with any questions could contact the toll-free investor hot line at (800) 721-7996.