Ponzi and Pyramid Schemes

How it Works:

Investors are enticed to invest in this fraudulent scheme by the promises of abnormally high profits. However, no investments are actually made by the so called "investment firm." Early investors are paid returns with the investment capital received from subsequent investors. The system eventually collapses and investors do not receive their promised dividends and lose their initial investment.

Operation Cyber Sweep:

The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC), a partnership between NW3C and the FBI, in coordination with state and local law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Trade Commission, and the U.S. Dept. of Justice offer details on a national take down effort highlighting recent Internet crime investigations stemming from IFCC referrals.