Sales Pitches Focused on Highly Publicized News. "Scam artists read the headlines, too. Often, they’ll use a highly publicized news item, like volatile gas prices, to lure potential investors and make their 'opportunity' sound more legitimate."

Gulf Coast Western does not participate in oil and/or gas prospects in areas of highly publicized news. We consider these "hype" plays to include the Barnett Shale, the Fayetteville Shale and the Bakken Shale. We focus on participating in prospects that have substantial technical support, are developed by well-respected industry partners and are in areas of long term proven production. Our geographic focus is primarily the Gulf Coast Region of the United States which includes Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. GCW typically does not operate wells we participate in, we prefer to participate on a Working Interest (WI) basis in projects generated, drilled and operated by very reputable companies. In 2008, we participated in wells with partners such as Samson, Ventum Energy, Sterling Energy, Fort Apache Energy, Fidelity Exploration and Neumin Production.

"Can't Miss" Wells. "Every investment carries some degree of risk so you should be skeptical of any oil and gas investment opportunity pitched as completely safe. Fraudsters often spend a lot of time trying to convince you that extremely high returns are 'guaranteed' or 'can't miss'. Don't believe it."

Gulf Coast Western has participated in many wells since being founded in 1970 and can speak from experience that there is no such thing as a "Can't Miss' well. Each and every prospect carries with it its own degree of geologic or mechanical risk. In fact, we take a well diversified approach to prospects in which we participate and offer both existing and potential Partners the opportunity to participate in a variety of projects. The risk/reward profile varies for each prospect that we participate in. However, we do seek out prospects that have excellent risk/reward potential. We have participated in our share of low risk dry holes and have also experienced significant discoveries participating in high risk prospects.

Unsolicited Materials. "Be especially careful if you receive unsolicited materials about an investment. Simply ignoring investment-related 'junk' faxes, emails, voice mail messages, and regular mail may be your best strategy. And don't let a package full of colorful marketing materials impress you, even if it’s sent by certified or overnight mail. If you’re not going to research an opportunity fully, do yourself a favor and put any unsolicited materials in the recycle bin immediately. If someone calls to follow up regarding the materials, tell him or her ‘thanks, but no thanks’ and hang up. [Hanging up is critical because scam artists often use scripted sale pitches to keep you on the phone.]"

Gulf Coast Western does not send out unsolicited materials of any type. We send materials only to persons who have requested that materials be sent to them and who have represented that they are qualified to participate in our Tax Advantaged Joint Venture General Partnerships.

Limited Opportunities. "Scam artists often try to give you the impression that the 'opportunity' they are promoting is scarce, hoping you will hand over your money hastily before doing any due diligence. Resist the pressure to invest quickly, and take the time you need to investigate before sending money."

Gulf Coast Western's participation in each prospect varies and the time period or participation is not within our control, so we do not have the ability to provide unlimited opportunities. However, existing and potential Partners are encouraged to take the time to do a thorough evaluation and complete their due diligence investigation prior to making a commitment to participate.

High Rates of Return. "Compare promised yields with current returns on well-known stock indexes. Any investment opportunity that claims you'll get substantially more could be highly risky. And that means you might lose money."

Gulf Coast Western provides every existing and potential Partner with a Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) which contains a full disclosure of all risks related to oil and gas exploration and General Partnerships. We also provide our potential partners with the full range of potential returns on our Joint Venture General Partnerships, including the risk of a person’s entire investment being lost in the case of a dry hole or a marginally productive well.

Tips or Secrets. "A promoter may discourage you from talking about the opportunity with someone you trust, like a loved one, attorney or financial professional. If that happens, stop listening, and leave or hang up. Then, be sure to contact us."

Gulf Coast Western encourages any qualified potential Partner to seek out all necessary advice to make an informed decision. We also offer to provide potential Partners contact information for our attorneys, accountants, and technical experts so that no question goes unanswered.