CFPB
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued an advisory warning law enforcement agencies and regulators that companies may be breaking the law by requiring employees to sign broad nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) that could deter whistleblowing.
SEC
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is alerting investors to a scam targeting people with the promise of buying shares in companies before they go public (pre-IPO). These scams can appear anywhere, from social media to phone calls, and despite ongoing enforcement efforts by the SEC, they continue to trick investors.
SEC
On March 15, 2024, the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy issued anupdated Investor Alert to warn about fraudsters sending investors fake Form 4 filings as part of a scam.
FinCEN
On May 8, 2024, the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an advisory on illicit transactions related to Iran-backed terrorist organizations. Iran seeks to export terrorism throughout the Middle East and beyond through the financing of a range of regional armed groups, such as Hizballah, Hamas and the Houthis.
IRS
In March 2024, the IRS updated a series of toolkits for external stakeholders revolving around abusive trust tax evasion schemes, offering a background of the schemes, related laws, instructions, and action. The IRS is warning of an uptick in abusive trust tax evasion schemes targeted towards wealthy individuals, characterized by the transfer of wealth under the form of vehicles, boats, and businesses.
IRS
In April 2024, the IRS released an alert as part of their Dirty Dozen campaign warning taxpayers of “Offers in Compromise” (OIC) mills, a type of abusive tax scheme in which these “mills” promote false programs to supposedly make targets’ tax debts disappear.
IRS
In April 2024, the IRS sent out a news release regarding the 2024 Dirty Dozen recap list of tax scams with the goal to remind taxpayers and tax professionals to beware of schemes. This year, the IRS is warning the public against sharing personal information over the phone, email, and social media, since these fraudsters specialize in identity theft and the stealing of funds and data.
CFTC
The CFTC released an alert regarding fraud or market manipulation in carbon markets. Carbon markets (CMs) refer to the buying and selling of carbon credits and carbon offsets in the context of a transition to a low-carbon economy.
CFTC
In 2020, the CFTC sent out an alert regarding violations of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) connected to spoofing. The act of “spoofing” is when a trader places an order in a futures market with the intent to cancel it before it can be executed as a way to falsify supply and demand information.
CFTC
In 2019, the CFTC issued an alert regarding violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and failures in AML and SAR Filing Programs. The Bank Secrecy Act mandates banks to report deposits over $10,000 to regulators. Under FinCEN’s regulations, the BSA seeks to increase transparency for large transactions and illuminate any illicit activity.
CFTC
In 2019, the CFTC sent out an alert regarding insider trading or improper use of confidential information. Insider trading consists in the illegal act of buying or selling on the stock exchange through “insider” knowledge gained through fraudulent and deceptive schemes.
CFTC
The CFTC issued an advisory warning investors regarding online financial romance frauds. Anyone with high-quality, original information that can lead to enforcement action, you may be eligible for rewards from the CFTC or the SEC Whistleblower Program.
CFTC
The CFTC issued an advisory warning investors regarding Commodity Trading Systems Sold on the Internet. If an individual has specific, timely, and credible information regarding commodity trading systems fraud, whistleblowers may be eligible for rewards from the CFTC.
CFTC
The CFTC issued an advisory warning investors against “IRSapproved” or “IRA approved” virtual currency retirement accounts. If an individual has original information regarding cryptocurrency fraud that fits certain criteria, whistleblowers may be eligible for rewards from the CFTC and the SEC.
FinCEN
Those with information regarding a possible ransomware scheme which involves money laundering through the use of cryptocurrency or decentralized mixers may be eligible for legal protections and awards under various U.S. laws, such as the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
FinCEN
If an individual has information regarding a possible foreign public corruption scheme, they may be eligible for protection under the U.S. Treasury Department’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Rewards Program.
CFTC
On January 25, 2024, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Office of Customer Education and Outreach put out an advisory regarding Artificial Intelligence scams consumers should be aware of.
SEC
The owners and promoters of microcap stocks often lure individuals into investing in these companies with promises of huge gains. Instead, the investors lose significant sums when the insiders take the money for themselves.
SEC
The SEC alert on Ponzi schemes warns investors about "investment opportunities" that promise high returns with every little risk, investments that are unregistered, and fraudulent investment schemes that may involve Bitcoin and other virtual currencies.
CFTC
The alert on Precious Metals Investment Scams warns investors about deceptive practices involving investments in gold, silver, and other metals, highlighting common signs of fraud and manipulative sales tactics used to entice investors into risky and often unprofitable schemes.
CFTC
The advisory on Foreign Currency (Forex) Fraud by the CFTC warns investors about the high risks and deceptive practices in the forex market. It outlines typical fraudulent tactics such as false promises of high profits, exploiting personal networks for referrals, and creating a false sense of market security.
CFTC
The CFTC issued an advisory alerting investors about the risks of commodity pool fraud. This guide highlights the warning signs, such as exaggerated profit claims and high-pressure sales tactics, and advises thorough background checks and understanding of fees before investing. Stay vigilant against investment scams with insights from the CFTC's advisory.
IRS
In April 2023, the IRS sent out a news release regarding the 2023 Dirty Dozen recap list of tax scams with the goal to remind taxpayers and tax professionals to beware of schemes.
IRS
Fraudsters may create fake charities after an emergency or natural disaster, like an earthquake or wildfire, to take advantage of taxpayers’ kindness and generosity. They aim to steal money as well as users’ sensitive data.