Paul: There is probably more than a single article's worth in terms of explaining how to prevent, but you could start with Barry Ritholtz' blog http://www.ritholtz.com/blog -- he also has a book coming out that will probably be very illuminating: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0470520388/thebigpict... . You might also try nakedcapitalism.com, another well respected blog.