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Investor Alert - Beware of New Scammers Targeting
Agape World Victims
Many investors who have fallen victim to the latest
Ponzi scheme allegedly conducted by Nicholas Cosmo, founder of the
investment firm Agape World, have been left angry, confused, and
ultimately desperate to recover their money. Cue the ambulance chasers and
the second wave of scam artists gathering en masse, equipped with nets and
fishing lines baited with false hope.
It is typical for additional scammers to surface
after the collapse of a larger scam, like a hungry swarm of ants, hoping
to consume any remaining crumbs from those who have already lost so much.
They are counting on the victim’s confusion and seeking to take advantage
of their desperation, and unfortunately, they often succeed.
Many of Agape World’s clients failed to do any
research and due diligence on the company before making an investment.
This mistake should not be repeated. Should any investors be contacted by
any means, either by phone, e-mail, direct mail, or even by messages on an
internet forum, by individuals claiming to be lawyers or investigators, or
representing law firms or other organizations promising that they can
recover some or all of your investment, DO NOT respond.
The United States Attorney’s Office issued a press
release on Tuesday, Jan. 27th, that specifically states:
“Individuals who believe that they may be victims of this charged fraud
scheme, or who have relevant information, can contact the U.S. Postal
Inspection Service at PICinnamo@usps.gov, or the FBI at (212) 384-2166.”
The press release also mentions that: “The
government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys
Grace M. Cucchissi and Vincent Lipari.”
These are the only sources victimized investors
should be in contact with, where they will receive further instructions
and reputable, reliable contacts. Investors should be wary of anyone, even
an established lawyer, who claims that they can retrieve funds for
individuals. The government has already taken steps to freeze all assets
pertaining to Nicholas Cosmo, Agape World, and AMA, and it is unclear at
this point how the recovered funds will be distributed.
Michael G. Kessler, CEO and founder of Kessler
International, a New York-based investigative firm that investigated Agape
World, advises investors that, “If you are contacted by anyone claiming to
be working in conjunction with the government, lawyers, or investigators,
be sure to report this to the FBI or the USPIS. Watch out for generic
contact information, such as email addresses from Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail or
OptOnline.”
Kessler also says, “Do not give out your personal
information to anyone that you aren’t sure of without first performing
your own due diligence. Definitely do not pay any fees to anyone, no
matter how small.”
For over 20 years, Kessler International has been a
world leader specializing in international corporate investigations,
forensic accounting, brand protection and computer forensics. Established
in 1988, Kessler International's satisfied clients are comprised of an
extensive and distinguished list of Fortune 500 companies, government
agencies, and prestigious law firms worldwide. Its diverse staff includes
former prosecutors, former law enforcement agents, attorneys, certified
forensic accountants, certified fraud examiners, certified forensic
computer examiners, CPAs, certified internal controls auditors, licensed
investigators and researchers.
For more information on forensic accounting, computer
forensics, and investment fraud, visit Kessler International’s website at
www.investigation.com or call (212) 286-9100.
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