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—but there is no such thing as a guaranteed return on investment. It's a scam.
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.
Report Business and Investment Fraud
Visit ic3.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), to report business and investment fraud.
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.
Affinity Fraud Ponzi Scheme
A Pennsylvania man who orchestrated a $59 million Ponzi scheme targeting fellow members of the Mennonite and Amish religious communities is spending time behind bars.
Inside the FBI Podcast: Oasis Ponzi Scheme
On this episode of Inside the FBI, we discuss how the Bureau and our partners took down an $80 million Ponzi scheme.
Inside the FBI Podcast: $396 Million Ponzi Scheme
On this episode of Inside the FBI, we'll hear how three men stole hundreds of millions of dollars from investors, friends, and family.
Press Releases
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09.05.2024 South Charleston Man Indicted on Federal Fraud, Money Laundering, and Obstruction Charges
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09.04.2024 Former Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors in $2 Million Green Energy Scheme
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09.03.2024 Sacramento Woman Indicted for Fraudulent Investment Scheme
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09.03.2024 FBI Atlanta is Seeking to Identify Investors in Metro Atlanta Based Company
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08.27.2024 Owners of Local Real Estate Investment Company Indicted in Federal Court for Fraud
Additional Information
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- IC3 Public Service Announcement About Spike in Cryptocurrency Investment Schemes
- IC3 PSA: FBI Warns of False Job Advertisements Linked to Labor Trafficking at Scam Compounds
- IC3 PSA: Increase in Companies Falsely Claiming an Ability to Recover Funds Lost in Cryptocurrency Investment Scams
- IC3 PSA: FBI Guidance for Cryptocurrency Scam Victims
- Federal Trade Commission
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
- How to Avoid Fraud (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission)