Republicans are pushing a bill they say will help generate the kind of investments that get entrepreneurial businesses going in America. But some Democrats and other critics are cautioning that the Jumpstart Our Business Startups, or JOBS, Act needs more protection for investors.

And criminal charges, like those against Steven Barkus and Michael Lombardo, underscore that.  The two California men were convicted late last month of conspiracy and securities fraud stemming from their phony startup in Northeast Ohio.

The Justice Department says Barkus secured investments from people he befriended and members of a church.  

Jonathan Witmer-Rich (WHITT-mer RICH) is a law professor at Cleveland State University. He says investors should be alert to warning signs before giving money to a startup.