National Consumer Protection
Week

Making money out of the blue?
It’s almost always too good to be true!

Huge returns with little to no risk? Phony “investment opportunities” can cost you big, say U.S. Postal Inspectors.

During National Consumer Protection Week, March 3-9, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service wants the public to beware of Investment Scams. Investment opportunities or “get rich quick” schemes are a favorite of fraudsters. Whether they sell bogus securities or commodities, oil wells, rare coins, or cybercurrency, these fraudulent promoters try to convince potential victims to invest their hard-earned money.

Every year, thousands of trusting and optimistic investors are scammed out of a few dollars, a few thousand dollars, or their entire life savings. Even the most experienced and savvy investor can be caught up in a cleverly disguised and well-orchestrated investment scam.

NCPW Materials to Download

COMMON INVESTMENT SCAMS
One of the most common type of scam is the Ponzi scheme. Named for Charles Ponzi, who in the early 1900s duped 30,000 Americans out of an estimated $10 million, Ponzi schemes rely on money from investors, rather than from actual profit, to pay the promised returns. Inevitably, the earnings are less than the payments, the scheme will fail, and the investors will lose money.

Oil and gas production and gold coin scams are other types of investment fraud. These scams use telephone solicitors, high-pressure sales tactics, and carefully scripted sales pitches that guarantee high profits. All of these “get rich quick” schemes have one thing in common: the only guarantee is not getting your money back.

Stocks, Commodities, Securities

Gold/Silver, Gems, Oil & Gas

Franchises Real Estates

Protect Yourself from Investment Scams

While anyone can be manipulated into believing a phony investment offer, older Americans are prime targets. People who live on fixed incomes from Social Security and small pensions are especially vulnerable, as they frequently need supplemental sources of income to make ends meet, or are motivated to help younger family members seek out extra funds. There are ways you can learn to protect yourself and watch for the signs of a possible scam.

  • Do your research

    Independently verify profitability claims. Never invest solely on what you read in a newsletter.

  • Beware of online sources

    Scammers spoof websites and use fake social media accounts to obscure their identities. You can identify phony accounts by looking closely at content. Pay careful attention to domain names.

  • Beware of fake reviews

    Scammers often reference or publish positive, yet bogus testimonials purportedly drafted by satisfied customers.

  • Don’t feel pressured

    Watch out for high-pressure sales pitches and unsolicited offers. Get all information in writing before you consider investing.

  • Watch out for “once in a lifetime” chance

    Never fall for a “once in a lifetime” chance to make big money if you don’t act quickly.

  • Check Better Business Bureau

    Research the company’s reputation with your local Better Business Bureau or state attorney general’s office. You can also find more information about consumer rights at the Federal Trade Commission

  • There are no guarantees

    Remember, investing in oil, gas, or gold can be risky, and there is no such thing as a guarantee.

Mailin’ It Podcast Focuses on NCPW

Criminal Investigations Group INC Eric Shen was the guest on the Postal Service’s Mailin’ Itpodcast. The topic was investment fraud and was produced to be launched in conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week. Click here to hear the podcast in its entirety.

How USPIS Protects Consumers

This week is National Consumer Protection Week, a time to help people understand their consumer rights and avoid scams and fraud. We will kick off this week with a discussion about how the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and its Postal Inspectors protect consumers – both through awareness and investigations. Click here to watch the entire video.

Beware of Investment Scams

Beware of Investment Scams

If you receive a pitch by phone, mail, or email that offers incredible financial returns, you might wonder, “How is this possible?” It’s not. It’s likely an investment scam.

Beware of Investment Scams Transcript

NCPW 2024 – Investment Scams


Investment Scams

Investment Scams

Investment scams come with promises of high returns on your investment.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

If you receive a pitch by phone, mail, or computer that claims you’ll get rich quick, receive high returns with a low risk, or that you must invest now – watch out! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

To report suspected investment scams and frauds, visit uspis.gov/report.

REPORT NOW