Speculation in cryptocurrencies is being lumped in with other high-risk ventures in a series of new commercials from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) aimed at educating potential investors by comparing some investment decisions to a game show.
"Investing is not a game," reads each of the commercials released by the SEC on Wednesday. In the spots, viewers are cautioned to educate themselves before making decisions with their money.
In one commercial, the host asks participants to choose from a classic game board of options that includes a number of questionable investments. Among the possible options is a box labeled "crypto to the moon," mixed with others such as "stock tips from your uncle," "meme stocks" and "tulip bulbs."
In another box, a participant says, "I take celebrity endorsements," to which a celebrity responds, "You should buy cryptocurrencies, trust me - I'm an actor."
The series appears to be the SEC's response to the recent proliferation of crypto ads on television, even in such popular and expensive time slots as commercial breaks during the Super Bowl.
"It is as important as ever for investors to take the time to educate themselves," SEC Chairman Gary Gensler said in a statement.