Call Now For a Free Consultation:
(614) 532-4576
Nationwide Representation

Why Investment Scam Complaints Are Up

Why the SEC is Concerned About The Rise in Scams

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reported more complaints and tips involving investment scams, and they urge investors to be on high alert to stay protected against fraudsters. The SEC’s theory is that scammers may be using the COVID-19 pandemic to prey on vulnerable or isolated individuals who may be fearing their financial future. Here’s what every investor needs to know.

How to Stay Protected Against Investment Scams

Beware of Ponzi Schemes

Ponzi schemes are designed to pay existing investors with funds contributed by new investors. The biggest red flag of a Ponzi scheme is the promise of high returns with little to no risk involved. Other warning signs include:

  • Account statement errors
  • Difficulty cashing out payments
  • Secretive or confusing investment strategies
  • Unlicensed sellers or unregistered brokerage firms
  • Positive investment returns regardless of market conditions

Be Cautious About Opportunities to Invest in CDs

Certificates of Deposit (CDs) may be a sound investment for those investors who want to have a stable, fixed-rate return during market instability. While this may be a sound way to protect your money, it’s critical to understand that there are “spoof” sites mimicking legitimate financial institutions offering fake CDs. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

  • High interest rates with no penalties for withdrawal.
  • They are solely promoting CD products.
  • Pressuring investors to wire funds to an overseas account that has a different name than the institution listed.
  • Using “clearing partners” that aren’t registered with the SEC. Clearing partners are liaisons between investors and clearing corporations that handle the delivery of transactions.

Be on The Lookout for Affinity Fraud

Affinity fraud is a practice where scammers pretend to be members of a specific group such as the elderly, religious, or ethnic communities. They may “recruit” a respected leader from the group to relay information about a scheme to convince other members that the “deal” is legitimate. Affinity scams commonly involve Ponzi or pyramid schemes.

If You’ve Been a Victim of Investment Misconduct, We Can Help.

When vulnerable individuals are lured into an investment scam, or their broker takes advantage of trust, the consequences can be devastating financial losses. When your future is at stake, and you don’t know where to turn, we are here to fight for you. Our team of attorneys at Meyer Wilson is here to help you hold financial institutions and brokers accountable for their negligent actions and recover your losses.

To learn if you are eligible for FINRA arbitration, call Meyer Wilson at (614) 532-4576 or contact us online to speak confidentially with our caring lawyers today.
The information contained in The Firm’s posts on its blog, fraud alerts, investigations or elsewhere on the site is based upon information obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, news outlets and federal, state, and regulatory agency filings. All suspects and subjects of postings herein are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action and any and all crimes are alleged until a court or regulatory agency finds otherwise .

Share This Story
If you found the information provided by this article useful, consider sharing to your social media channels to help others in their search for reliable resources.
Consult with Our Legal Team
There is never a cost associated with a consultation
Atlanta Office

945 East Paces Ferry Road, Suite 2275
Atlanta, GA 30326
Columbus Office

614-224-6000
305 W. Nationwide Blvd
Columbus, OH 43215
Meyer Wilson
New Orleans Office

900 Camp Street 
Suite 337
New Orleans, LA 70130
Los Angeles Office

310-905-8688
2029 Century Park East,
Suite 400N
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Cleveland Office

216-600-1355
4781 Richmond Rd.
Suite 400
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
Bloomfield Hills Office

248-817-8214
41000 Woodward Ave.,
Suite 350
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Quick Links
The information contained in this Website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. No recipients of content from this site, clients or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in the site without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in the recipient's state. Read More
The information contained in this Website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.
Read More
chevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram