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Affinity fraud
This scam usually occurs in a group setting (ethnic groups, clubs, associations, religious groups, etc.). Scammers will gain trust by joining groups that they can share common interests; it is often easier to trust someone who is like you or has similar interests to you. Once trust is gained, it is easier to execute a scam.
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Offshore investment scams
Increasingly we are seeing volumes of promotional material telling investors that they can make more money and avoid taxes by taking their Canadian dollars to an offshore tax haven (usually in the warmer climates). The absence of credible police and regulators makes things easy for scam artists. They convince people to give them money by making extravagant claims that they don't have to justify, and that they have no intention of fulfilling. Once they have the money, they can take advantage of the same secrecy laws that were used to get your money in the first place.
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Ponzi / pyramids
These swindles promise high returns on group investments. Each participant is encouraged to bring in new investors. There is no actual investment; money from previous investors is used to pay new investors to make it appear as if money is being made. The only people who make money are the people who started them.
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Prime bank schemes
Scam artists will promise high returns on investments made through the world's most prestigious banks. They lead investors to believe that they can participate in a secret trading regime, typically with the world's major banks. Investors might be required to sign non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from disclosing the identity of the parties involved and the terms of the transactions.
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Promissory notes
These are often sold as an insurance product and are short term loans that promise high returns for borrowing money from you - at no risk. The companies offering the 'investments' are often non-existent.
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West African letter scam
An email is sent by individuals who claim to be high-ranking government officials from a developing nation. They explain that due to complications, they are unable to remove millions of dollars from an account and need help. In return, they offer a sum of money. They ask people to show good faith by depositing money in a mutually accessible bank account or to provide a bank account number, in which they will deposit the money. The individuals then drain the bank accounts and are never heard from again.
