Vincentians are being warned to be on the look-out for investment offerings, which are being circulated via online chat platforms (WhatsApp), virtual meetings (Zoom) and face-to-face contact.
The warning has come from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Financial Services Authority of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, along with the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC)
The entities say these investment offerings which may be classified as pyramid schemes, are currently being promoted under the guise of a savings plan, sou-sou or gifting system.
A release from the financial institutions says a pyramid scheme is a fraudulent investment that offers returns solely through the recruitment of other participants into the programme.
The release highlighted some of the red flags of a pyramid scheme, which include
- Emphasis on recruiting new participants to join the programme; The programme requires individuals to make a financial contribution to start and requires recruitment of new members making the same contribution to ensure high payouts.
- There is a promise of a high return or payout on the initial contribution over a short period of time; This high return is only possible through the recruitment of new participants.
- No genuine product or service is offered; and
- A complex structure that ensures that early contributors are paid first using the initial financial contributions of newer members. Members are encouraged to recruit newer members to move to a different “level” or part of a circle.
The release explained that when there are fewer or no new members, the scheme collapses and losses are incurred for individuals who joined the pyramid scheme.
It noted that the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has moved to protect the public from pyramid schemes by passing the Consumer Protection Act 2020 which prohibits the promotion, operation or participation in pyramid schemes and will carry a penalty on summary conviction, of a fine of ten thousand dollars and imprisonment for two years for the offence.
How to Protect Yourself
- Be suspicious of persons who contact you to invest quickly or promise high returns on your investment.
- Consider seeking financial advice or guidance before you invest.
- Ensure that any individual or firm with which you conduct business is licensed or authorised by the ECSRC or other relevant government authority.
The release stressed that Pyramid schemes should be avoided as they are not a legitimate way of investing. And, the Regulatory Authorities are advising the public to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent activity.
Persons who are aware of or have been the victim of a fraudulent investment scheme in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, can contact the Financial Intelligence Unit via email at ‘[email protected]’ or the Financial Services Authority at ‘[email protected]’.
