Corporation Commission Offers Guidance On How To Guard Against COVID-19 Investment Schemes

scam alert

Phoenix — The Arizona Corporation Commission is alerting investors to be on guard against an anticipated surge of COVID-19 fraudulent investment schemes.

“In these extraordinary times, the health and welfare of all must be our foremost concern, and that includes our financial health. The primary focus of the Securities Division remains on the protection of Arizona investors,” said Corporation Commission Chairman Bob Burns.

The Commission is concerned is that scammers will target investors, capitalizing on recent developments in the economy and preying on fears about the volatile securities market.

Specifically, the Corporation Commission’s Securities Division is warning investors to be on the lookout for investments tied to the threat of COVID-19 coronavirus. According to the Commission:

  • Bad actors can be expected to develop schemes that falsely claim to raise capital for companies manufacturing surgical masks and gowns, producing ventilators and other medical equipment, distributing preventative pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing vaccines and miracle cures. The schemes often appear legitimate because they draw upon current news, medical reports and social and political developments.
  • Scammers might seek to take advantage of concerns with the volatility in the securities markets to promote “safe” investments with “guaranteed returns” including investments tied to gold, silver and other commodities; oil and gas; and real estate. Also, investors could expect to see “get rich quick” schemes that tout fast, guaranteed returns that can be used to pay for rent, utilities or other expenses. These schemes typically target retirees and senior citizens, falsely claiming they can quickly and safely recoup any losses to their retirement portfolios. The Commission’s Securities Division suggests investors stay clear of any investment that sounds too good to be true such as guarantees of high returns with no risk.
  • Most importantly, investors need to verify the promoter’s licenses and registration with the Commission’s Investigator on Duty by telephone at 602-542-0662, toll free in Arizona at 1-866-VERIFY-9 (837-4399) or by email at SecuritiesDiv@azcc.gov. The Corporation Commission’s investor education website has helpful information on wise investing and fraud prevention at www.azcc.gov/azinvestor.

INVESTOR BEWARE: Schemes to Watch for and How to Protect Yourself

  • Private placements and off-market securities. Scammers will take advantage of concerns with the regulated securities market to promote off-market private deals. These schemes will continue to pose a threat to retail investors because private securities transactions are not subject to review by federal or state regulators. Investors must continue to ask and check before they invest in private offerings by independently verifying the facts for themselves.
  • Gold, silver and other commodities. Scammers may also take advantage of the decline in the public securities markets by selling fraudulent investments in gold, silver and other commodities that are not tied to the stock market. These assets may also be attractive because they are often promoted as “safe” or “guaranteed” as hedging against inflation and mitigating systematic risks. However, scammers may conceal hidden fees and mark-ups, and the illiquidity of the assets may prevent retail investors from selling the assets for fair market value. The bottom line is there really are no “can’t miss” opportunities.
  • Recovery schemes. Retail investors should be wary of buy-low, sell-high recovery schemes. For example, scammers will begin promoting investments tied to oil and gas, encouraging investors to purchase working or direct interests now so they can recognize significant gains after the price of oil recovers. Scammers will also begin selling equity at a discount, promising the value of the investments will significantly increase when the markets strengthen. Investors need to appreciate the risks associated with any prediction of future performance and recognize that gains in the markets may not correlate with the profitability of their investments.
  • Get-rich-quick schemes. Scammers will capitalize on the increased unemployment rate by falsely touting their ability to quickly earn guaranteed returns that can be used to pay for rent, utilities or other expenses. They may also target retirees and senior citizens, falsely claiming they can quickly and safely recoup any losses to their retirement portfolios. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Real estate schemes. Real estate investments may prove appealing because the real estate market has been strong and low interest rates have been increasing the demand for housing. Scammers often promote these schemes as safe and secure, claiming real estate can be sold and the proceeds can be used to cover any losses. However, real estate investments present significant risks as changes in the economy and the real estate market may negatively impact their performance.

Investment Fraud Prevention Tips

The Corporation Commission’s Securities Division offers the following guidance to help investors avoid anticipated schemes that seek to take advantage of them.

  • Ask questions and research the investment, the company and person offering it. Investors should always ask if the salesperson, the company and the investment itself are registered by a regulator. This information can be confirmed by the Investigator on Duty at the Corporation Commission’s Securities Division. Also, investors can check theSEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosuredatabase and FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Avoid doing business with anyone who is not authorized to sell securities.
  • Beware of miracle cures. Scientists and medical professionals have yet to discover a medical breakthrough or have developed a vaccine or means to cure COVID-19. Not surprisingly, the vaccines being sold by online pharmacies are not real. You should not send money or make payments over the telephone to anyone claiming they can prevent COVID-19, have a vaccine or other preventive medicine.
  • Avoid fraudulent charity schemes. White-collar criminals may pose as charities soliciting money for those affected by COVID-19. Before donating, you should independently verify any charity that is raising money for the sick or secure donations to help uninsured persons pay for medical treatment. You should also avoid online solicitations for cash and gift cards, as these schemes have become a popular way for scammers to steal money. Think with your head and not with your heart. If you want to donate to a cause, you should work with a legitimate, established organization.
  • Be wary of schemes tied to government assistance or economic relief. The federal government will be sending checks to certain individuals and businesses as part of its economic stimulus legislation. It will not, however, require the prepayment of fees, taxes on the income, the advance payment of a processing fee or any other type of charge. Anyone who demands prepayment will almost certainly steal your money. And don’t give out or verify any personal information either. Government officials already have your information. No federal or state government agency will call you and ask for personal information.
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