Finra Issues Warning On Crypto-Related Stock Scams

Content adapted from this Zerohedge.com article : Source

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Yesterday morning we explained the latest and greatest get rich quick scheme in the stock market as follows:

Now that it is abundantly clear that for a stock to explode higher, all that is necessary - and sufficient - is a press release mentioning the company's name and throwing in the word "blockchain" in the same sentence (see Riot Blockchain, LongFin Corp, Net Element, and Nova Lifestyle) other public microcaps have decided that if that's all it takes, then by all means they will gladly take investors' money."

This morning, the microcap formerly known as Long Island Ice Tea did just that when it changed its name to Long Blockchan Corp, sending its stock 500% higher.

Needless to say, idiocy like this will end in tears, and when the various sequential bubbles burst, they will sweep away with them any value-adding and non-fraudulent products and services that have emerged out of the cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Which is why it's about time for the regulators to step in and start halting such examples of manic investory stupidity before more people get hurt, or worse, suicided.

This morning, the market's self-regulator FINRA, did just that, when finally it issued a warning titled "Don't Fall for Cryptocurrency-Related Stock Scams" which, literally, boils down to one simple warning: "Do your research before purchasing shares of any company offering investment opportunities in cryptocurrency", a warning that is applicable to every single investment, yet when people see 500% gains in seconds after an illiquid microcap company adds "blockchain" to its name, nobody actually bothers with.

Here is Finra's full warning which of course, will be ignored until the whole sector crashes.

Don't Fall for Cryptocurrency-Related Stock Scams

Cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin) are in the news daily. FINRA is issuing this Alert to warn investors to be cautious when considering the purchase of shares of companies that tout the potential of high returns associated with cryptocurrency-related activities without the business fundamentals and transparent financial reporting to back up such claims.

Do your research before purchasing shares of any company offering investment opportunities in cryptocurrency. And don't be fooled by unrealistic predictions of returns and claims made through press releases, spam email, telemarketing calls or posted online or in social media threads. These actions may be signs of a classic "pump and dump" fraud.

The SEC suspended trading in a number of securities due to questions regarding the accuracy of cryptocurrency-related activities. For example, trading was suspended when the SEC questioned the accuracy of claims regarding:

• the liquidity and value of a company's assets in DIBCOINS, a cryptocurrency;
• assertions by several companies that each planned to conduct an Initial Coin Offering (ICO); and
• a company's claimed transition from a vape products business to one involved in cryptocurrency and adoption of blockchain technology.

Tips to Avoid a Cryptocurrency-Related Stock Scam

Especially in today's "hot" cryptocurrency environment, it's easy for companies or their promoters to make glorified claims about new products, services and other cryptocurrency-related connections. And, even when legitimate companies flock to a hot, new sector, fraudsters almost always follow suit, exploiting the news to launch their latest frauds du jour. Follow these tips to avoid costly mistakes.

• Do not say "yes" to cryptocurrency stock purchases from an aggressive cold caller, even if the claims sound plausible, particularly if the recommended stocks are very low-priced. Don't feel guilty about hanging up. Not answering at all, or putting down the phone, are generally the best and safest responses to a cold caller or anyone aggressively pitching low-priced stocks or other investment opportunities.
• Be suspect of anyone who makes guarantees that an investment will perform a certain way, or makes pushy sales pitches that encourage you to "act now."
• Use FINRA BrokerCheck® to the check registration status of, and additional information about, the people and firms who tout these opportunities.
• Check the SEC's EDGAR database to find out whether the company files with the SEC. If so, read the reports and verify any information you have heard about the company. But remember, the fact that a company that has registered its securities or filed reports with the SEC doesn't mean that the company will be a good investment.
• Be wary of stocks with huge spikes in price: this could signal potential manipulation or fraud
• Know where the stock trades and pay attention to any cautions associated with the stock. Most stock pump-and-dump schemes tend to be quoted on an over-the-counter (OTC) quotation platform like the OTC Markets, which provides icons to warn investors of concerns associated with a given company. These include a stop sign to indicate the company cannot or will not provide important information to regulators, exchanges or the OTC Markets—and also a skull and crossbones to warn that the security, company or a person who controls the company might be involved in a spam campaign, questionable marketing, regulatory action or more.

If you're suspicious about an offer or if you think the claims might be exaggerated or misleading, please contact us.

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