Common Schemes 

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.