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Here’s a breakdown of the key points from the CFTC’s warning:
* Impersonating the CFTC: Scammers are falsely claiming to represent the CFTC, specifically the Office of Inspector General.
* Targeting Previous Fraud Victims: These imposters are often contacting individuals who have already been victims of financial fraud.
* False Promises of Fund Recovery: The scammers offer to help these victims recover lost funds, often claiming the money is held in foreign bank accounts. This is a tactic to further defraud those who have already suffered financial losses.
* CFTC’s Stance: The CFTC clearly states that the Office of Inspector General never contacts individuals with offers to recover money lost in investment scams.
* Protecting Yourself: The CFTC advises the public to take the following precautions if contacted by someone claiming to be from the agency:
* Do not share personal information: This includes account numbers, Social Security numbers, or digital wallet private keys.
* End the call immediately.
* Record information: Write down as much detail as possible about the contact.
* Verify email addresses: Legitimate CFTC emails will always come from the “@cftc.gov” domain. Government employees will never use personal email addresses (like Yahoo! or Gmail).
* Reporting Suspicious Activity: If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, you can:
* File a complaint with the CFTC’s Division of Enforcement.
* Report the incident to the Office of Inspector General through their online portal.
* Contact the CFTC at education@cftc.gov to verify the legitimacy of any communication you receive.
This type of scam is particularly insidious as it preys on individuals who have already been harmed, offering a glimmer of hope that is ultimately false. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical of any unsolicited offers, especially those involving requests for personal or financial information.

Video courtesy of KDPW

Video courtesy of KDPW