The SEC recently issued an investor alert warning about crypto advisory and trading websites. The alert cautions investors to be especially wary of web-based crypto-currency sites with any of these red-flags:
- Outsized “guaranteed” investment returns.
- Complicated jargon or difficult-to-understand technologies.
- Unlicensed sellers.
- Sounds too good to be true.
- Unsolicited offers.
- Urgency to act.
…in short, the usual hallmarks of many scams.
The advisory comes on the heels of an indictment against two Nigerian citizens for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money-laundering through a bitcoin-based investment websites that also required “processing fees” in order to access bogus investment returns: wealthcurrency.com; boomcurrency.com; merrycurrency.com. DOJ’s announcement of the indictment is here.
The SEC’s alert is here.
Thomas K. Potter, III (tpotter@burr.com) is a partner in the Securities Litigation Practice Group at Burr & Forman, LLP. Tom is licensed in Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana. He has over 33 years of experience representing financial institutions in litigation, regulatory and compliance matters. See attorney profile.
© 2019 by Thomas K. Potter, III (all rights reserved).
PartnerTom Potter is a Partner in the firm's Nashville office, and his practice focuses on securities, corporate disputes, and appellate litigation. Tom has over 35 years of experience representing business interests.
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