That's especially when the offeror implies it has the personal backing of the chairman of Australia's corporate regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), by using his name and photos.
Unfortunately, though, it's just one example of a recent investment scam uncovered by ASIC, and it highlights an alarming rise in fraudulent activities targeting investors since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investment scams are a huge and growing problem, and they're becoming more and more sophisticated through the use of fake websites, media releases and stolen company logos.
In the past fortnight, regulators including ASIC, the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and the UK's Financial Conduct Authority have all issued warnings around a surge in investment scams.
They include outright fraudulent schemes, where there are no actual underlying investments involved, and the promotion of crypto currency assets and foreign exchange products, with fake endorsements from celebrities or government agencies.
In the US, there has also been a sharp rise in fraudulent stock promotions and market manipulation, with more than 30 companies suspended since the start of this year. A number of those relate to companies having made false claims of being awarded large medical supplies contracts related to COVID-19.
Fraudsters also have been busy taking advantage of the volatile markets to tout "safe" or "bottomed out" investments in companies that purportedly have interests in commodities such as gold, silver, or oil and gas.
Others activities involve fraudulent investment offers by unregistered companies, with reports by ASIC of companies asking consumers to pay money for financial products or services into different bank accounts each time funds are transferred.
Since the onset of COVID-19, ASIC has detected a 20 per cent rise in the number of investment scam reports from Australian consumers and investors.
ASIC is particularly concerned about the risk to consumers and investors of losing money when buying into crypto-currency assets, with most investment opportunities appearing to be outright scams.
Who is being targeted?
According to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)'s just-released Targeting scams 2019 report, investment scams cost Australian investors $126 million last year. A further $132 million was lost to business email compromise scams.
In 2019, people aged 65 and over made the most reports to the ACCC's Scamwatch website, followed by those aged 25 to 34.
However, the highest losses were actually reported by people aged 55 to 64, who lost nearly $30 million last year. The ACCC says this is likely due to this group's accumulated wealth, coupled with their interest in investment opportunities.
Out of the total of 167,797 Scamwatch reports, 19,783 involved lost money.
Young people were more likely to report a scam that included a financial loss. For people under 18, 26 per cent of all reports involved a financial loss. This age group lost $471,595, an increase of over 170 per cent from 2018.
The ACCC says one piece of good news is that increasing numbers of people are now able to recognise and avoid scams.
The competition regulator points out the importance of telling others about scam experiences, with many people avoiding scams through word of mouth from friends or family.
How to detect an investment scam
To paraphrase a very old saying, if an opportunity sounds like it's too good to be true, it probably is.
Scams can take many forms and, as noted, are becoming increasingly sophisticated through the use of technology. Some scammers are using fake websites that mimic the sites of legitimate financial institutions.
However, there are multiple ways to greatly reduce your chances of ever being lured into an investment scam.
Tony Kaye
Personal Finance Writer
07 July 2020
Vanguardinvstmnts.com.au
Director
BEc (Acc), MBA, CPA, FFin
David has been in the Financial Services Industry for nearly 30 years. He was one of the founding Directors of the successful Financial Planning and Stockbroking Practice, Henderson Gregory Forrest, for a decade. Prior to that, he held senior roles in companies such as ING, KPMG Accountants and AMP. David was previously Chairman of OAMPS Superannuation Trustee Board and currently serves as an independent Board Director for several companies.
David’s extensive experience in all forms of superannuation, including Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF), Defined Benefit Funds, retirement funding through Account Based Pensions, stockbroking with a focus on Direct Share Investment, Taxation/Remuneration Planning, Centrelink, Aged Care and business management, equip him to advise expertly on all aspects of Financial Advice.
Those with a particular interest in superannuation/SMSFs, direct share investment, salary packaging or applying for the Centrelink Pension will find his knowledge and ability in formulating and implementing creative, logical and simple wealth creation strategies a valuable asset.
David maintains a strong personalised client service focus, providing tailored solutions for clients.
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David Forrest is an Authorised Representative of Integrity Financial (SA) Pty Ltd ABN 16 133 921 187 — AFSL No 334846
Business Finance Manager
B Bus (Acc), CPA
Michelle’s career has spanned across the Financial Services, Retirement Living and Aged Care industries working in the private sector, not for profit and more recently with the state government for over 20 years. Her experience extends to many facets of the financial services industry, having worked in superannuation administration, technical support and financial planning practice administration.
Commencing with AMP and subsequently working in commerce and accounting roles with companies such as Brambles, Adelaide Bank Retirement Services, ECH Inc and SA Health and Wellbeing, Michelle returns to financial services after working in practice financial management at Henderson Gregory Forrest. This wide range of experience from senior accounting and management roles has provided Michelle with a strong background in business administration.
With an astute financial acumen and keen interest in business improvement strategies, Michelle ensures the smooth running of the Integrity Financial Advisory practice providing valued management support to our personalised client service focus.
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Client Service Manager
Jasmine has worked in the financial services industry for over 12 years in all areas of client administration, working with David since 2013.
Jasmine has extensive knowledge and experience in client service including implementation of advice, portfolio reporting, assisting with the establishment of Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), term deposit management and a long history of helping clients with their enquiries.
Jasmine’s attention to detail, yet gentle approach, means she is able to solve the trickiest of questions for our client community.
Jasmine has gained her Certificate III in Financial Services qualification.
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Senior Client Service Manager
Merrilyn has worked in the financial services industry for over 11 years in all areas of client administration, and is a new addition to our client services team, returning from Melbourne to join the team in June 2019.
Merrilyn has extensive knowledge and experience in client service including implementation of advice, managed fund administration, assisting with the establishment of Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) and process improvement for the previous practices she has worked with. Merrilyn’s experience with direct shares constitutes the other part of our administrative support for direct equity investments.
Merrilyn’s warm and caring nature continues to endear her to our clients and she has already established herself as a valued member of our team.
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