Investment or business fraud schemes will try to lure you in with the promise of low- or no-risk investments.
Scammers often ask for upfront cash in exchange for guaranteed future returns. There is no such thing as a guaranteed return on investment. It's a scam.
Learn what to look out for, how to protect yourself and your family, and what to do if you're a victim.
Report Business and Investment Fraud
- Contact the FBI online at tips.fbi.gov.
- File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Reach out to your local FBI field office.
- Report internet-enabled fraud schemes to to ic3.gov.
Advance fee schemes ask you to invest upfront money for a larger return later, such as a loan, contract, or gift.
Nigerian Letter or 419 schemes ask someone to share in a percentage of millions of dollars that the author—a self-proclaimed government official—is trying to transfer illegally out of Nigeria.
Ponzi schemes use current investors' money to pay previous investors. They inevitably collapse.
Pyramid schemes ask you to bring in new investors to make a profit or recoup your investment.
Telemarketing fraud schemes try to steal your money over the phone, whether by telling you won a prize, are in legal trouble, or some other approach.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
- Do your homework and thoroughly research any investment opportunity independently of what any salesperson provides you.
- Never rush into an investment opportunity. If you are rushed or told not to discuss it with others, you're being scammed.
- There is no such thing as a guaranteed return.
Related FBI News and Multimedia
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06.01.2023
Orange County Man Charged in Alleged $1.8 Million Investment Fraud Scheme
Amadou Kane Diallo, an Orange County-based businessman, was charged with soliciting investments under false pretenses and using the money to support his own high-end lifestyle.
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05.25.2023
Jonathan Vu Hoang, an Orange County resident, has been sentenced to 49 months in prison in connection with a scheme to create a bogus investment company.
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05.26.2023
Previously Charged Virginia Man Admits Additional $3.4 Million Insider Trading Scheme
Sean Wygovsky of Virginia, who previously pleaded guilty to insider trading, admitted engaging in another insider trading scheme that netted millions of dollars.
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05.25.2023
Long Island Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Multi-Million-Dollar Ponzi Scheme
John Quadrino of Oceanside, New York, has been sentenced to 41 months in prison for directing a Ponzi scheme utilizing Princess Cut Industries, Inc.
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05.23.2023
A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment that accuses a Beverly Hills man of soliciting more than $9 million from investors.
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05.17.2023
Former Chief Financial Officer of $21 Billion Biopharmaceutical Company Admits Insider Trading
Usama Malik pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to Count One of an indictment charging him with securities fraud/insider trading.
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05.19.2023
A Nevada man has been charged for his alleged participation in CoinDeal, an investment fraud scheme that defrauded more than 10,000 victims of over $45 million.
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05.19.2023
A Nevada man has been charged for his alleged participation in CoinDeal, an investment fraud scheme that defrauded more than 10,000 victims of over $45 million.
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05.16.2023
A federal grand jury in Rockford has charged two Kentucky men with fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars from investors and customers throughout the United States.
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05.15.2023
Manager Admits to Key Role in Indian Call Center Scam
Zaheen Malvi, an Indian citizen, has entered a guilty plea in a years-long international conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.