Investment Scams · Timeless — every community, every era
Affinity Fraud
A scammer joins your church, your culture, or your circle — and once trusted, sells the group a fake investment tailored to your shared values.
The Confidence Game
Maria Konnikova
The single best explanation of why smart people say yes. Start here.
Now broadcasting: Affinity Fraud
The short of it
Affinity Fraud is a investment scams that dates to the Timeless — every community, every era. A scammer joins your church, your culture, or your circle — and once trusted, sells the group a fake investment tailored to your shared values. The tell is usually simple: investments offered only inside a tight community. If you remember one thing, remember this — check every offering with your state securities regulator.
Warning Signs
- Investments offered only inside a tight community.
- Pressure to skip due diligence because 'we're family'.
- Testimonials from trusted elders or leaders.
Protect Yourself
- Check every offering with your state securities regulator.
- Real investments survive an outside advisor's review.
- Trust is not a substitute for paperwork.
Read Deeper
The Confidence Game
Maria Konnikova
Why we fall for it — every time. A definitive study of the con artist's mind.
Shop on Amazon
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Watch it unfold
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