Learning Resources

Bad actors can exploit technologies like artificial intelligence and crypto assets, or digital platforms like social media and mobile apps. Learn how to spot and avoid the scams. Also, remember to do your research, consider all the risks, and make decisions based on your bigger financial picture.

Fraudsters are stealing billions of dollars using “wrong-number” or random text messages, fake social media profiles, and promises of easy wealth. Learn how to spot and report these crimes.

The CFTC together with the SEC, FINRA, and the North American Securities Administrators Association are issuing this joint advisory to warn the public about relationship investment scams.

In many cases, fraud is a long story, not a single act. People who are victimized by one fraud are often victimized again and again.

They promise safety, but when you move your money from a 401(k) or IRA to a “self-directed” IRA, there are fewer safeguards between you and unscrupulous dealers who charge excessive fees and overinflate coin prices.

Many fraudulent gold and silver dealers use affinity—pretending to be like you and others in your social group—to gain your trust and use your beliefs against you.

Spot metal prices are quoted in troy ounces, but some coins are only fractions of an ounce. If you’re sold a half-ounce coin the price should be roughly half the quoted spot price. Don’t let fraudsters pull a fast one. Check their math, and what they’re selling you.

If you realize you’re working for a fraudster who’s ripping people off, submit a whistleblower tip and receive up to 30 percent of any money the CFTC recovers. Find out more.

It is natural to feel regret or shame after discovering you’ve been ripped off. One way to shed those negative feelings is by helping others. Report the fraud to the authorities. Your tip could be the one that stops the fraud and brings the perpetrators to justice.

Do your homework: Check the current spot price for bullion then compare prices and fees starting with local businesses and coin dealers. Also, be sure to learn about recent online scams or IRA swindles, and stay alert.

As of 2024, only certain coins—those of a specific weight and purity deemed “bullion”—can go into a self-directed IRA (SDIRA). If someone tries to sell you high-priced “rare” or “collectible” coins for an SDIRA stop and do your research as collectibles can’t currently be held in a SDIRA.

Rollover scams target your 401(k) or IRA savings and use fear or distrust in institutions to convince you to move your money into a “self-directed” IRA, which makes it easier to rip you off.

Here are 10 common warning signs caregivers, relatives, or friends should watch for, along with information about how to raise the topic of fraud, and ice breakers you might find helpful.

Work-from-home offers to set up bank accounts, send or receive money, convert dollars to crypto-assets or vice-versa may be coming from criminal organizations looking for help laundering the money. Don’t get involved or you could go to jail.

It is natural for victims of crime to blame themselves, but don’t let that be your only feeling. Many people report fraud because it gives them a feeling of justice. Others do it because they know their information might help others. Learn how to protect yourself and reduce harm from common frauds.

The CFTC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) are jointly issuing this Investor Bulletin to make investors aware of frauds involving investments in physical precious metals, in particular those involving self-directed individual retirement accounts.

Here are five common lies gold and silver IRA scams use and facts you should know.

That “wrong number” text or “like” you receive from an attractive stranger may be from an international criminal organization using a fake name and photo. These gangs have stolen billions of dollars by posing as long-distance friends or romantic interests. Learn the warning signs.

Ignore social media influencers or trading platforms that claim AI-created algorithms can generate large, guaranteed returns. These are common red flags of fraud. Here are four steps you should take before trusting your money to trading platforms or AI bot sellers.

More people lose money to frauds on social media than any other forms of engagement. This panel of fraud and disinformation experts discuss what makes social media an effective platform for fraud, and what regulators, educators, and users can do to stem the tide. [1:15:05]

Maybe you’re ready to let AI take the wheel of your trading and investment journey, but is AI capable of making your financial decisions? This panel of experts discuss how good AI is it at spotting hazards or sharp turns in market direction. [58:50]

The SEC, CFTC, FINRA, National Futures Association, Securities Investor Protection Corporation, and the North American Securities Administrators Association have teamed up to provide investors with information about the three themes of World Investor Week 2023, a global campaign promoted by the Inte

Trading in precious metals such as gold, silver, or palladium can be a legitimate way to diversify your portfolio, but the market is volatile and also has its share of fraud. Beware of dealers’ lofty promises of easy profits or doomsday threats of a faltering economy.

Criminals have been posing as CFTC staff to pressure people into paying fictious fees and taxes. These frauds often revictimize people who have already lost money to other schemes. Learn how to spot and report the imposters.

Criminals committing fraud are trying to recruit people to receive and transfer money from their digital wallets, trading, or other personal accounts. Moving money for illegal purposes, even unknowingly, is against the law and participants could face serious consequences.