subject: Affinity Fraud In The Forex Market, Beware [print this page] At a very young age we were taught to look both ways before crossing the street, we were also told to pay attention to the cross walk guide, and the stop sign on the side of the buses that prevented us from crossing the street. In our older years we are still prompted to keep an eye on the predators that prey on us like the bully after our lunch money. Our concerns now are with money and internet scams.
Some of the lions in the grass eyeing us as meat are Affinity frauds. The identifiable and very specific groups in the money markets such as factions of religion, ethnicity, and demographics are the prey of affinity frauds. In the Forex market it is a new kind of fraud that is being heavily watched. In the field of predators some brokers play, offering alleged investment opportunities to specific areas claiming affinity (similarity, likeness) towards them. This is to create a feeling of comfort so to better reel them in like fish to a hooked worm.
In a world of many peoples' the enormity of true connection is easily portrayed; via emailing, instant messaging and so on the quick and easy route to get things accomplished and get people connected is as effortless as watching ice cream melt in the son on a hot summer day. Individuals who are making investments with Forex brokers, or other types, need to be fully aware of this, and must carefully research the companies, regulators, and capital of their new found brokers, traders or investors.
A typical move from these swindlers is actually being legitimate with a few real customers, forming the bond, working with them hand in hand, getting the testimonials, and then using that as collateral to fetch others. Unfortunately for the "others" they are the lucky one's to be embarked on a fraud that can lead to damages they cannot live with. All too common in this situation is the lack of notifying the authority but instead trying to fix issues within the group, leaving them quickly shorthanded and alone.
Ways to avoid Affinity Frauds
1) Before investing anything call and ask your state or provincial security agencies about sales persons, firm, or company. This is the first thing you should do and is very important. This simple maneuver can save you a good chunk of money. First, find out if the investor or company is registered and then see if the investment is allowed to be sold. Back away if not completely, the investors do not care about you and have a way with words. Research for yourself.
2) Obtain written information from the investor on the procedures of the investment, risks of the investment, and procedures on getting your money out!
3) Get professional advice from an attorney, accountant, or financial planner. If you pay them or get it free from a friend, you will be better off.
4) Pay attention to testimonials dates. The investor's earlier people, that were legitimate, may have wonderful and enthusiastic things to say but later arrivals may not be so happy. Watch for repetitive names and out of the ordinary names. Be AWARE!
