Understanding the Dangers of Affinity Fraud

Affinity fraud is an investment scam that targets members of a specific group, such as those belonging to a particular religious or ethnic community or individuals who share a particular affiliation.

The scammer, who may be a broker or investment advisor, might even be a member of the group or come highly recommended by someone in the group. Such ties or endorsements serve to create a built-in trust and only enhance the credibility of the fraudster and what they are offering.

Often, those recommending the scammer or their investment may be completely unaware that they are helping to perpetuate investment fraud or that they too are victims.

If you suspect that you or someone you love lost money in an affinity scam, it is important that you speak with an experienced affinity fraud attorney to explore your legal options. Contact Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas (SSEK Law Firm at investorlawyers.com) to request your free, no-obligation case consultation.

Examples of Groups That Have Been Targeted in Affinity Scams

• Military or veteran groups
• Alumni from the same school
• Members of a church or another type of religious organization
• Professional athletes
• Members of a club or association
• Members of an ethnic or immigrant community
• Retirees

Affinity scams can be perpetuated as pyramid schemes and Ponzi scams in which newer investors’ money is paid as the supposed “returns” to earlier investors. This causes everyone involved to think that there is money being made. That is until the scam fails and everyone discovers that they were, in fact, the victims of investment fraud.

One of the most infamous affinity scams to date is the $50B Madoff Ponzi fraud. Among those targeted were members from the Jewish community, ranging from retirees to seniors to nonprofits to wealthy individuals to institutions.

It is important to note that affinity fraudsters also have been known to get their victims to invest in legitimate investments that may be too risky for them but will pay the scammer high commissions and fees. The fraudster will then misappropriate the money to fund their lavish lifestyle or cover other expenses.

Meanwhile, the victims of the affinity scam will have lost money because of the unsuitable investment recommendations in which they should have never gotten involved.

Unfortunately, the lure of making money, coming from a “trusted” individual in the community, can be hard to ignore. This is one of the reasons that affinity fraud happens.

Every investor should make a conscious effort to look out for signs that indicate a broker is being negligent or is partaking in fraudulent activity. In order to avoid being a victim of affinity fraud, watch out for these tell-tale signs:

• Conduct your own due diligence into the investment. Just because you know or trust the one who is offering the investment opportunity doesn’t mean that it is a legitimate or safe one.
• Don’t invest in anything you don’t understand. It can be easy to be intimidated by financial language. Don’t be. Ask questions. Make sure you get answers.
• Stay away from investments that promise returns, incredible profits, or no risks. Any legitimate investment will carry some risk and returns are never a guarantee.
• Don’t feel pressured into investing right away lest you miss out on this opportunity. High-pressure sales tactics, including offering you a special deal if you invest now, is sometimes how fraudsters will try to get people onboard. Another persuasive method is telling you that other people you know have already invested, so why not you?
• Even if you are dealing with an investment professional, make sure to look into their background to see if there are any past disclosures or other red flags. Make sure that they are registered to sell investments in your state.
• Be careful of investment opportunities that come to you online or through social media, including Facebook and Twitter.

For over 30 years, SSEK Law Firm has been fighting for investors, including retail investors, retirees, high net worth individual investors, and institutional investors, in helping them to recover the compensation they are owed because they were the victim of investment fraud.

We represent investors nationwide and have helped thousands to obtain total or partial financial recovery. Call us at (800) 259-9010 today or contact us online.