TIP: Social media connections can provide scammers with the opportunity to reach large numbers of potential investors and make quick money. The schemes being perpetrated are simply old scams wrapped in a new package. Often times, the underlying scam is a Ponzi or Pyramid Scheme. Related Investor Education Handout State Issues Warning About Investment Schemes ...
Read More July 2020
Commissioner’s Corner
TIP: Every year, victims are scammed out of millions of dollars. Our Kupuna, especially in Hawaii are a target for con artists because they tend to have a trusting nature and a large nest egg. Often, the “con artist” turns out to be someone that the victim knew and trusted. Don’t let a greedy con ...
Read More June 2020
TIP: Advance fee fraud ask investors to pay a fee up front – in advance of receiving any proceeds, money, stock or warrants – in order for the deal to go through. These schemes may involve the sale of products or services, the offering of investments, lottery winnings, found money, or many other so-called opportunities. ...
Read More May 2020
Tip: Cryptocurrencies are digital assets created by companies or individuals that take the form of a virtual coin or token. Cryptocurrencies are intangible and exist only on the internet. Central banks and other governmental authorities do not insure or control cryptocurrencies. Before you jump into the crypto craze, be mindful that cryptocurrencies and related financial ...
Read More April 2020
TIP: Get the 411 on Affinity Fraud! Affinity Fraud refers to an investment scam that preys upon members of identifiable groups, such as religious or ethnic communities, the elderly, or professional groups. Learn more about Affinity Fraud, and how to avoid being a victim. If you are a victim call the Securities Enforcement Branch at ...
Read More March 2020
TIP: As an older investor, you are a top target for con artists. The Hawaii Securities Enforcement Branch is filled with examples of senior investors who have been cheated out of their life savings, retirement investments, and even the equity in their own homes. You can avoid becoming a victim by following these tips to ...
Read More January 2020
TIP: Investment scams can take many forms—and fraudsters can turn on a dime when it comes to developing new pitches for the latest scam. Though the wrapper or hook might change, the most common securities frauds tend to fall into the same general schemes. Check out this InvestorAlert piece from FINRA to help protect your ...
Read More December 2019
TIP: Are you a senior investor with questions about your brokerage account statement or an investment in a brokerage account? Are you concerned that your account may have been mishandled by a broker? To help you with these and other investment-related questions, FINRA provides the Securities Helpline for Seniors, call 884-57-HELPS Monday to Friday 9 ...
Read More November 2019
TIP: Advance fee fraud ask investors to pay a fee up front – in advance of receiving any proceeds, money, stock or warrants – in order for the deal to go through. These schemes may involve the sale of products or services, the offering of investments, lottery winnings, found money, or many other so-called opportunities. ...
Read More October 2019
TIP: Cryptocurrencies are digital assets created by companies or individuals that take the form of a virtual coin or token. Cryptocurrencies are intangible and exist only on the internet. Central banks and other governmental authorities do not insure or control cryptocurrencies. Before you jump into the crypto craze, be mindful that cryptocurrencies and related financial ...
Read More September 2019
