Investment Fraud - II


July 9, 2010

Learn about how the FBI investigates and combats fraudulent investment schemes in this podcast.


Audio Transcript

Ms. Ballew: Fraudulent investment schemes have a big impact.

Mr. Nanz: “Based on FBI investigations, we know that the losses to investors are in the multi-billions of dollars.”

Ms. Ballew: That’s Special Agent David Nanz, chief of the FBI’s Economic Crimes Unit, who says in some cases people who have invested in these scams have lost their life savings. There’s also another effect.

Mr. Nanz: “These investment frauds hurt the integrity of the market, and it leads to a loss of confidence in the financial markets which can be very damaging to the U.S. economy.”

Ms. Ballew: There are all kinds of scams, promising certain returns on investments…

Mr. Nanz: “For example, the perpetrator might say that the investor has the opportunity to double their money within a very short period of time. Others promise more steady rates of return, say 10 percent per year.”

Ms. Ballew: To avoid becoming a victim, Nanz recommends making sure you know who you’re investing with, and making sure you understand the investment. I’m Denise Ballew of the Bureau, and that’s what’s happening at the “FBI, This Week.”

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