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Ponzi Scheme Investigation

IFW investigates ponzi schemes around the world, uncovering actionable evidence to help victims recover losses.

A ponzi scheme is a ruthless investment scam designed to swindle unsuspecting victims. Lured in with the promise of an exceedingly high return, investors are paid with funds collected from subsequent investors instead of proceeds from a genuine investment. With no new investors, the offender behind this crime cannot distribute ‘dividends’ to initial backers and the whole scheme crumbles.

Sound all too familiar? If you suspect that you have been targeted by a ponzi scheme, please contact our expert investigators immediately. We will unearth actionable evidence to help you prosecute the fraudster behind the crime and recover your losses.

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Ponzi scheme investigators with a proven track record

Global leaders

IFW is renowned for its unparalleled ability to uncover evidence and crack down on ponzi schemes across the globe. Our highly-experienced investigators, researchers and analysts bring the truth to light with unrivalled skill.

Proactive investigations

We approach every ponzi scheme investigation with driven and dynamic solutions that evolve with each breakthrough. Our investigations draw upon direct access to local databases, expert witnesses in cyber fraud, and a network of confidential informants.

Worldwide resources

IFW investigators leverage powerful relationships with state, federal and international law enforcement agencies around the world. We can also work closely with local and foreign correspondent lawyers to identify money trails and hidden assets in nearly any country.

Actionable evidence

Losing your hard-earned savings to an investment scam can be devastating. To help you take legal action against the fraudster and recover your losses, we will present a thorough brief of evidence for use in criminal proceedings within the appropriate jurisdiction. 

Guaranteed discretion

IFW performs every ponzi scheme investigation with total professionalism and sensitivity. You can rest assured that every piece of personal data is encrypted for your privacy. Case details remain confidential and will never be disclosed without your consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top
  • A ponzi scheme is a type of investment scam whereby the fraudster pays ‘dividends’ to initial investors with money taken from subsequent investors. Despite promising every investor exceptionally high returns with low risk, there is no legitimate investment. 

    It is only a matter of time before the ponzi scheme collapses. Once the pool of new ‘investors’ inevitably dries up, the scammer will disappear with any remaining proceeds. Meanwhile, ponzi scheme victims will be left to suffer their losses.

  • Although both types of fraud involve promising victims a high return in exchange for their financial investment, Ponzi and pyramid schemes are not the same. The key difference is the role that unsuspecting victims play in each scheme. 

    Whereas victims of a ponzi scheme invest their money into a managed portfolio and wait for a return, victims of a pyramid scheme are propositioned with the opportunity to earn more money by recruiting other investors. Each investor pays the investor who recruited them for the right to partake in the scheme.

  • Take the following measures to protect yourself against a ponzi scheme:

    • Be wary of any investment opportunity that seems too good to be true, such as one that promises an extraordinarily high return with little risk.
    • Perform thorough research on any business, project or person you are considering investing your money in. This due diligence will help to raise any alarms before it is too late.
    • Seek advice from an impartial third party, such as an independent financial advisor, before you part ways with your hard-earning savings.
  • While ponzi schemes can be challenging to identify before their investors suffer significant losses, there are certain red flags to watch out for. Common warning signs of a ponzi scheme include:

    • Questionably high rates of return with little or no risk
    • Strangely uniform returns
    • Scheduled returns that suddenly cease
    • Terms that make it practically impossible to release rather than re-invest returns
    • Investment documents with unfounded or inconsistent information
    • Investment managers who are difficult to contact and slow to answer queries

    By keeping an eye out for the above warning signs, you may be able to put a stop to the ponzi scheme before it brings you irreversible financial harm.

    If you suspect that you are being targeted by a ponzi scheme, please contact IFW Global immediately to arrange a consultation.

  • Yes, it is illegal to run a ponzi scheme. Consequently, the offender behind a ponzi scheme may face criminal charges if actionable evidence is uncovered against them. 

    Provided participants are unaware of any illegal business practices, the only offender(s) in a ponzi scheme is the original perpetrator(s) behind it.

  • If you believe that you have fallen victim to a ponzi scheme or know someone who has, please follow the below steps as soon as possible:

    • Do not make any more investments in this scheme.
    • Confirm the company’s licence number on ASIC Connect’s Professional Registers – or if it is even on a register.
    • Report the scheme to Scam Watch, ASIC, your financial institution, local police and social media provider(s) so that each organisation is aware and able to assist you in recovering your losses.

    Contact IFW Global so that we can help you to track down the culprit behind the crime. This extremely sensitive and high-stakes process demands the expertise and resources of our professional investigators.

  • Ponzi scheme investigations typically take between one and three months. This estimate varies according to the sophistication of the scheme and whether you wish to take legal action against its orchestrator(s). 

    If the offender is successfully identified and located, our investigators can liaise with law enforcement officials to help file search warrants and/or criminal charges against them – a complex and time-consuming step that may extend the overall procedure.

  • The cost of a ponzi scheme investigation depends on the complexity of the scam, the losses incurred, and the jurisdiction in which the offence has taken place.

    Before we begin the investigation, our investigators will present you with a tailored proposal that details a recommended budget to maximise the likelihood of a successful outcome.

  • The likelihood of a successful investigation rests entirely on the unique circumstances of the case at hand. The more admissible evidence our investigators collect, the greater the chances that you will be able to take legal action against the scammer. 

    To estimate the realistic likelihood of tracking down the offender who targeted you, we will conduct a preliminary assessment of your case. Equipped with this specialist insight, you may decide whether or not to proceed with the ponzi scheme investigation.

Submit an enquiry

Understand the process and make an informed decision about engaging IFW Global services. Complete our enquiry form and get started with your investigation.

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