over 2 years ago

Investment fraud consists of deceptive practices used to convince a person to invest money. The frauds can be with stocks, bonds, notes, commodities, currencies, or even real estate. The scammer may give uncertain or wrong information about real investments or invent a false opportunity.

The investment trickster can be anything from a telemarketer to a financial advisor. He is intelligent, sociable, charming and persuasive. It goes to great lengths to earn your trust so you don't do any research before you invest.

INVESTMENT FRAUD

Affinity-based scams: The scammer preys on members of easily identifiable groups usually based on their ages, religious affiliations, or ethnic origins. He pretends to have some kind of loyalty to that group and often manipulates the leader so that he believes in an investment project so that the others will also invest.

High Yield Investment Programs : The scammer promises investors high returns with little or no risk when in fact they are selling completely worthless stocks. Often these investments are not registered and the sellers are not accredited.

Pyramid sales: The scammer claims that a small investment can produce big profits but only if you convince other people to invest as well. The "profit" made by early investors comes from the money paid by later investors. The scheme fails when they can no longer find new investors to contribute.

Ponzi scams: The scammer, usually a portfolio manager, claims that they will invest your money and can earn high returns, which is false. The profits you receive are from the money paid by subsequent investors who have also been cheated. The fraud fails when the scammer no longer has anyone to con.

Bloat and sell: The scammer buys cheap stocks and spreads rumors with false information to increase interest in those stocks and drive up prices. The people who buy them are left with shares that are completely worthless when the scammer sells the inflated shares.

Recovery scams: The scammer promises to help you recover lost money in other investments if you pay a sum up front. It usually doesn't do anything after you pay it.

Inappropriate Financial Products: A financial advisor may sell inappropriate financial products to seniors in order to receive high commissions. These products, such as annuities, can make your money inaccessible and impose high withdrawal penalties. Other advisors bill for unexplained fees or unauthorized transactions, or purchase fraudulent insurance policies to receive commissions.

If you believe you are dealing with investment fraud, you should seriously consider retaining an investment fraud attorney. The faster you get out, the faster you can start the recovery process. Call us at (800) 767-8040. We will discuss your case and see what we can do to help you get the compensation you need and deserve.