Warning Signs of Investment Fraud – How to Protect Your Hard-Earned Money

If you think you’ve fallen victim to investment fraud, report it to the FBI and SEC. It will make it harder for the fraudster to profit from your loss by selling or hiding your money.

Be skeptical of testimonials you can’t verify and claims about celebrity endorsements. Also, be wary of “affinity” investment fraud (aka community fraud) that targets groups based on shared social ties, such as religious or ethnic groups.

Unsolicited Phone Calls or Emails

Investment fraud uses a variety of tactics to lure in unsuspecting victims. They may promote their opportunity through social media, an online dating app, or unexpected phone calls or emails. They often claim to have “inside” or confidential information and that the opportunity is exclusive to a small group of investors.

Social media can be a valuable source of market information, but it is essential to be aware that fraudsters may pose as brokers, investment advisers, or other reliable sources. When using social media, it’s always best to be cautious and take the time to verify the authenticity of any information or advice received. Doing so can ensure you’re making well-informed decisions and avoiding potential misinformation. Avoid investing with anyone who refuses to allow you to perform a background check.

Offers of High Returns

Investment fraudsters employ many tools to make their scams look legitimate. Sharp-looking companies, leased office spaces, receptionists, professionally designed brochures, and impressive websites are all used to instill trust in unsuspecting victims.

Above-market returns, guarantees, and low or no risk are all hallmarks of investment fraud. These offers are designed to appeal to your emotions, such as fear, greed, and the desire for something for nothing. This kind of fraudster may also commit churning. Churning refers to excessive trading by a broker in order to falsely generate a higher commission and more fees payable by you. If you’re a victim of such fraud, you should contact a professional in order to see what action can be taken.

Fraudsters may also impose a sense of urgency by saying that the “investment opportunity” is limited or will be gone soon. They may even cite high returns they claim to have achieved for earlier investors.

Claims of Exclusivity

To make their investment opportunity seem more legitimate, fraudsters may say it’s only available to a limited number of individuals. It can create a sense of urgency and pressure people into making a quick decision that could lead to a financial disaster.

It’s crucial never to let yourself be rushed into an investment. Legitimate promoters will provide you with documents that clarify costs and risks before you invest. If you are unsure about the information, always request further clarification from an independent source. Also, be wary of any claim of exclusivity involving unverifiable formulas, patents, or new technologies. All of these things are a red flag for fraudulent activity.

Invitations to Join Social Groups

Fraudsters often use social media and email to spread investment fraud schemes. Be cautious of new posts, tweets, direct messages, or emails promoting a particular stock (especially small-priced stocks such as microcaps). Promotional materials should be reviewed carefully, mainly if they include unverifiable claims about formulas, patents, or new technologies. Be incredibly skeptical of any message that appears rushed or pressured to invest. Fraudsters can often make it difficult to understand their arguments by citing complex or inconsistent documents or using jargon-filled phrasing. Affinity fraud scams can target specific groups, such as seniors or ethnic communities, to entice victims into misleading investments.

Offers of Free Meals or Seminars

Investment fraudsters often lure unsuspecting investors with free investment seminars. Financial professionals ostensibly hold the meetings with legitimate investments. Still, the reality is usually that the fraudster is running a Ponzi scheme or selling illegitimate securities such as promissory notes.

As part of their commitment to protecting consumers, FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) and NASAA (the North American Securities Administrators Association) members – the state securities regulators, have undertaken numerous examinations of “free-meal” investment seminars. These efforts ensure investors are empowered with accurate and reliable information while promoting transparency and fairness in the financial industry.

Many of these exams found that the workshops were not merely educational but sales presentations that would result in new account openings and investment product sales. This information should make you wary of attending any investment seminar with a free meal.

Requests for Personal Information

Fraudsters often rely on social media to perpetuate investment fraud schemes. For example, one fraudster targeted 400 Mennonite and Amish families to cheat them out of $59 million. This type of fraud is called affinity fraud.

Beware of guarantees, unregistered products, overly consistent or high returns, complex strategies, missing documentation, and pushy salespeople. Legitimate financial promoters explain fees and risks and provide the proper documentation.

If you become a victim of investment fraud, contact your local police and federal authorities. You may be able to file a claim and receive compensation. Crime victims should also consult a professional financial counselor. This person can examine your current situation and help you rebuild your retirement savings or reduce debt.

Unprofessional Contracts

If someone tries to pressure you into investing or if they don’t accept your requests for additional due diligence, walk away. Legitimate investment professionals are happy to give you the time to make an informed decision.

Avoid using the term “pyramid scheme” to describe their investment opportunity. Pyramid schemes are illegal and can cause significant losses for investors.

Beware of complex investment strategies explained with confusing terms and jargon. Legitimate investment professionals can clearly explain their investments in an easy-to-understand manner. Be wary of any assets that require a large amount of upfront money. It may be a sign of fraud.

Offers of Free Investments

People lose millions of dollars yearly in get-rich-quick schemes offering high returns and low risk. A sense of urgency or exclusivity often characterizes these scams.

Fraudsters exploit their victims’ trust by impersonating legitimate brokers, investment advisers, or other sources of market information on social media. Look for fake profiles, phone numbers, and addresses that include only mobile phones or PO boxes.

Fraudsters also target groups with a common bond, such as religious organizations, ethnic communities, and clubs. They enlist unsuspecting members of these groups to spread the word about their investment scheme and generate more referrals for their scams. Always be suspicious of any offers that seem too good to be true, and research before investing.