Legal Definitions - Investor Protection Guide: Affinity Fraud

Affinity fraud is a type of fraud that targets members of a specific group, such as people with a common religion, ethnicity, or interest. The fraudsters may pretend to be part of the group or may actually be members of the group. They take advantage of the trust within the group to recruit victims for their scam.

For example, a fraudster may attend a church and pretend to be a member of the congregation. They may then convince other members to invest in a fake investment opportunity, promising high returns. The victims may trust the fraudster because they believe they share the same faith.

Another example is a fraudster targeting a group of retirees. They may offer a fake investment opportunity that promises high returns and targets the retirees' desire for financial security in their retirement years.

It's important for investors to be wary of any investment opportunity that promises high returns, especially if it's introduced by someone they trust. Investors should always perform due diligence by researching the investment or consulting with a professional investment advisor before making any investment decisions.

If investors suspect fraudulent activity, they should report it to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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