If you invest in mutual funds, how happy would you be if your name, address and account number were posted on the Internet? I'm guessing you wouldn't like it one bit.

But it could happen to you. The Security and Exchange Commission requires mutual fund companies to disclose this very information about anyone who owns more than 5% of a class of shares of any fund.

Now I know you're saying, "I'm just a small investor. I don't have enough money to own that much of a fund." Right?

Well, guess again. So many new funds with an alphabet of different classes have started up in the past few years, it's possible for an investor with only $10,000 to make this list. That would ensure your private information a place on the fund and SEC's websites in "The Statement of Additional Ownership."

Your only protection is to check the fund's policy before you invest.

Forewarned is forearmed!

Click on any of the articles below to learn more about mutual funds:

• 3 Ways to Earn Money Through Mutual Funds
• A Mutual Fund for Every Investor
• Beware Target-Date Mutual Funds