Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Bank is facing a class action lawsuit for allegedly aiding a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of tens of millions of dollars, despite having knowledge of the fraudulent activities [1][10]. Group 1: Allegations and Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit claims that Berkshire Bank had specific reports indicating suspicious activities related to a customer running a Ponzi scheme, yet failed to act due to the profitability of the customer relationship [2][8]. - The complaint, filed in federal court, includes detailed allegations about the bank's handling of suspicious customer activities, with evidence obtained through a subpoena [3]. - The Ponzi scheme, orchestrated by Miles Burton Marshall, solicited approximately $90 million from around 1,000 investors, promising an 8% return [5][10]. Group 2: Customer Background and Bank's Actions - Marshall had been a customer of Berkshire since 2015 and was previously with NBT Bancorp, which had warned Berkshire about Marshall's suspicious activities [6][8]. - Berkshire Bank allegedly provided Marshall with a scanner to facilitate remote deposits of up to $300,000 per day, despite concerns about his activities [7]. - Although Berkshire Bank identified Marshall as a high-risk customer and conducted ongoing monitoring, it did not take action based on the information it had [8]. Group 3: Legal Context and Implications - The case represents a significant test of legal standards regarding banks' responsibilities when their customers commit fraud [10]. - Previous legal outcomes indicate that banks can be held accountable for their responses to customer due diligence findings, as seen in past cases involving other banks [12][13].

这是我们学生阶段必学的历史经典故事。 英布本是秦朝的一个囚犯，后来在骊山修陵墓时逃跑，当了土匪。秦末天下大乱，他拉起队伍，先投靠了势力强大的项羽，还成了项羽旗下的头号 猛将，巨鹿之战立下大功，被项羽封为九江王。 但后来项羽和刘邦争天下时，多次叫他帮忙，他都找借口不去，英布和项羽两人就闹掰了。刘邦看准机会，派人把他策反了过来。英布转投刘邦， 帮助刘邦在垓下围歼了项羽，因此立下大功。刘邦建立汉朝后，封他做了淮南王，让他享受荣华富贵。 好景不长，汉高祖刘邦当上皇帝后，开始猜忌和收拾那些手握重兵的异姓王。大将韩信、梁王彭越先后被以谋反的罪名处死，而且死得很惨。这让 英布心里极度害怕，觉得下一个肯定轮到自己，整天坐立不安。 恰在此时，他怀疑自己一个宠爱的妃子和手下大臣贲赫有私情，要抓贲赫。贲赫吓得直接跑到长安向刘邦告状，说英布要谋反。英布一看事情败 露，退路已断，干脆心一横，于公元前196年起兵反汉。他起初还打了几场胜仗，但最终刘邦亲自率军征讨。 两军对阵，刘邦问他："何苦要造反？"英布直接回答："我也想当皇帝！"但最终因实力不济兵败，在逃跑途中被杀。他的叛乱，反而加快了刘邦清 除诸侯、巩固中央集权的步伐。 如今很多事 ...

新华社海口8月25日电 题：骗子盯上"新能源汽车"，"风口"上的投资需擦亮双眼 新华社记者刘邓 以投资充电桩的名义搞"老鼠会"；自称与名企、知名高校有合作；打着国家政策旗号炒作"高大上"的概 念……近日，海口市中级人民法院发布了一起以投资"新能源汽车充电桩"为噱头非法吸收公众存款、集 资诈骗犯罪的典型案例，其中不少新的作案手法值得关注。 该案让2000余名投资者的3亿元资金血本无归。办案民警和法官提醒，当前不少职业骗子利用新能源、 光伏等新兴产业设计骗局，"风口"上的投资需擦亮双眼。 从空壳公司到收购真公司 真假交织设骗局 短短时间内，这个草台"公司"为何能聚敛大量资金？ 投资人王先生的心路变化颇具代表性。经人介绍，他2021年接触到全享通公司的新能源汽车充电桩项 目。该公司宣称，只要花58000元购买一个充电桩，交给公司代为运营，每周就可以返利1115元，一年 回本，之后就是净赚。一次性购买13个充电桩，投资回报年化率可以达到200%。 起初，王先生也不相信会有这样的好事。将信将疑的他到全享通公司总部考察，发现该公司位于海口繁 华地段的写字楼内，不少人抱着资料在签合同，就有些动心。几天后，他参加了全享通公司 ...

Core Viewpoint - The operation model of Xinfujinpin (Beijing) Jewelry Co., Ltd. is suspected of being a pyramid scheme and illegal fundraising, attracting public attention through promises of high returns and tiered rewards [1][15]. Group 1: Company Overview - Xinfujinpin (Beijing) Jewelry Co., Ltd. was established in November 2024, with a registered capital that increased from 20,000 RMB to 5 million RMB [2]. - The company is registered in Fengtai District, Beijing, but primarily operates in Tai'an, Shandong, without financial qualifications to raise funds from the public [2][15]. Group 2: Operation Model - The investment model requires a minimum investment of 10 grams of gold for 10,000 RMB, promising daily returns at a rate of 0.3% and multiple rounds of dividends based on new performance [3][6]. - The model includes direct push rewards, acceleration rewards, and team rewards, which are characteristic of pyramid schemes, as they rely on recruiting new members for compensation [6][12]. Group 3: Marketing and Promotion - The company promotes its model as a way to turn consumption into wealth, claiming that gold can serve as a form of currency and investment [9][11]. - Promotional events offer additional benefits for purchasing gold, such as extra welfare points, which further incentivize participation [14]. Group 4: Legal and Regulatory Concerns - The company's practices of soliciting funds from the public without approval and promising returns are indicative of illegal fundraising activities [15]. - The structure of the rewards and the emphasis on recruiting new members align with the characteristics of a pyramid scheme, raising significant legal concerns [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses one of the largest pension fraud cases in China, where over 600,000 elderly individuals were deceived out of more than 24.4 billion yuan over eight years, led by Zhou Zhifeng, the actual controller of Shanhai Group, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for his crimes [1][10]. Group 1: Nature of the Fraud - The fraud was not only a financial scam but also an emotional trap, starting with seemingly harmless gifts like free eggs to gain the trust of elderly individuals [4][6]. - Zhou's team of young salespeople built a "trust fortress" by providing emotional support and companionship to the elderly, making them more susceptible to manipulation [6][19]. - The fraudulent schemes included high-return investment promises, such as a 20% annual return, which lured many elderly individuals into a Ponzi scheme [8][10]. Group 2: Elderly Vulnerability - The elderly are particularly vulnerable to scams due to their isolation and loneliness, which scammers exploit by filling emotional voids [9][19]. - Many elderly individuals lack the ability to access or interpret information effectively, making them easy targets for misleading investment opportunities [17][19]. - The emotional manipulation involved in these scams often leads to a denial of the fraud even when evidence is presented, as seen in the reactions of many victims [3][9]. Group 3: Characteristics of Modern Scams - Modern scams are increasingly sophisticated, presenting themselves as legitimate businesses with professional appearances and operations [12][15]. - Scammers often create a façade of credibility by associating with official entities and providing seemingly genuine services, which further deceives the elderly [15][16]. - The article highlights the need for better awareness and education among the elderly regarding the nature of these scams and the importance of critical thinking [17][31]. Group 4: Prevention Strategies - Effective prevention against such scams requires emotional support and regular communication with elderly family members, emphasizing the importance of family involvement [22][23]. - The article suggests implementing technical measures, such as installing fraud prevention apps and setting financial limits, to protect the elderly [23]. - It also emphasizes the need for awareness of common scams targeting the elderly, including fake social security services and low-cost travel schemes [24][28].

Group 1 - The article highlights the prevalence of economic crimes disguised as investment opportunities, particularly those promising high returns with low risk [1] - It discusses illegal fundraising schemes under the guise of "virtual currency" and "blockchain," citing a case where a platform attracted investments totaling over 15 million RMB, ultimately leading to the loss of funds for investors [2] - The article emphasizes the need for individuals to be cautious and recognize the traps behind seemingly lucrative offers, urging them to protect their financial assets [9] Group 2 - Another type of fraud mentioned involves training programs that require upfront fees, often leading to graduates incurring significant debt without guaranteed employment [4] - The article warns that these fraudulent schemes exploit people's desires for quick wealth and their willingness to take risks, urging the public to remain vigilant [9] - It encourages individuals to report any suspicious activities related to illegal fundraising or investment schemes to the authorities [7]

Core Viewpoint - The rise of illegal financial models like Aixinghe and the associated risks in internet investment and wealth management require significant attention [1][5]. Group 1: Aixinghe Fund Model - Aixinghe initially attracts users with small rewards for transactions, then encourages app downloads, gradually introducing tasks that require upfront capital [1]. - The operations of Aixinghe resemble a Ponzi scheme, where initial small returns build trust, followed by significant capital extraction [1]. Group 2: Internet Investment Risks - Internet investment and wealth management risks are multifaceted, including market risk from volatility, technical risk from network vulnerabilities, and credit risk from platforms lacking credibility [3]. - Investors are advised to carefully select investment platforms, understand their backgrounds and reputations, and enhance their financial knowledge to avoid being misled by high return promises [3]. Group 3: Importance of Awareness - Recognizing the operational models of schemes like Aixinghe and emphasizing the risks in internet investment and wealth management is crucial [5]. - Investors must remain rational and vigilant to protect their financial assets from illegal activities [5].

Core Viewpoint - The collapse of Yongkun Gold, a jewelry company, has revealed a fraudulent scheme disguised as a gold investment platform, leading to significant financial losses for investors [1][3][25]. Company Overview - Yongkun Gold was established in March 2014, with a major shareholder holding 66.66% of the company [1]. - The company operates over 50 gold jewelry sales outlets across various regions, including Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hong Kong [1]. - As of November 7, 2024, Yongkun Holdings reduced its registered capital from 112 million to 102.3 million yuan [1]. Investment Scheme - Yongkun Gold promoted its services with slogans like "store gold to earn interest" and "capital preservation through gold trading" [3]. - Investors were unable to withdraw their funds on May 20, 2025, as all redemption channels were closed [3]. - The company had previously faced withdrawal issues in 2021 but continued to operate under the same brand [5]. Contractual Agreements - Investors signed three contracts: a gold sales purchase contract, a gold custody contract, and a gold repurchase contract, promising annual returns of 6.5% to 9% depending on the investment amount [9][12]. - The investment model claimed that regardless of gold price fluctuations, investors would either profit from selling or receive a refund, creating an illusion of a risk-free investment [13][14]. Fraudulent Practices - Investigations revealed that most of the gold supposedly held for investors never existed, with funds being transferred directly to the personal account of the chairman [6][24]. - The company misled investors into believing their gold was securely stored in bank vaults and insured, but insurance only covered specific risks like fire and explosion [21][22]. Marketing and Promotion - Yongkun Gold utilized a multi-level marketing strategy, incentivizing existing customers to recruit new investors with promises of high commissions [30][32]. - The company falsely claimed to be listed, which was misleading as it was only registered on a local equity transfer platform [20]. Financial Implications - As of April 28, 2025, Yongkun Gold had at least 4.1 billion yuan in insured gold assets, but the reality of these assets was questionable [22]. - The company's operational model resembled a Ponzi scheme, with funds being pooled and used to pay returns to earlier investors rather than being invested in actual gold [26][27]. Conclusion - The case of Yongkun Gold serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with seemingly guaranteed investment returns, particularly in the gold sector, which is often perceived as a safe haven [33].

在互联网投资理财领域，风险普遍存在。市场波动影响投资价值，信息安全问题可能导致投资者信息泄露与资金损失，监管不完善也给不法分子可乘之 机。 CDTT 资金盘集中体现这些风险，还带来独特风险，如虚假宣传、无实际盈利支撑等。 中国数贸 CDTT 资金盘在互联网投资理财领域出现，引发广泛关注。其出现于互联网金融蓬勃发展的背景下，以看似诱人的投资回报吸引众多投资者。 CDTT 资金盘运营模式主要通过承诺高额收益吸引投资者注资，构建复杂资金流转体系，收益分配依靠新投资者资金，形成循环。但这种模式存在诸多潜 在问题，违背正常经济规律，呈现庞氏骗局特征，一旦新投资者减少，资金链极易断裂。 面对互联网投资理财风险，投资者要加强教育，培养风险意识，理性看待收益与风险关系。 总之，CDTT 资金盘运营模式危害大，互联网投资理财风险复杂。投资者需谨慎对待各类项目，不被高收益迷惑，保障自身财产安全。 F O N T D E S I G N ...

7月31日晚间，四川长虹电子控股集团有限公司（下称"长虹控股"）微信公众号发布打假声明。 原标题：千亿国资巨头打假！"李鬼"疑假冒名义诈骗，其正在贵州多地活跃 长虹控股在声明中表示，公司近日多次收到社会公众反映，称有人以"长虹集团投资有限公司""长虹集 团""长虹集团财富团队"等名义在线上线下开展吸引社会公众金融投资等活动。长虹控股公开郑重声 明：所谓的长虹集团投资有限公司、Ox Cap交易所及其一切行为与长虹控股及下属公司没有任何关 系。 但根据网友所称，上述所谓的会员交易从未真正进入任何金融市场，平台展示的"交易记录"、"盈利截 图"均为后台操控的虚假数据。交易本质是"拆东墙补西墙"的庞氏骗局，用新用户的本金支付老用户 的"收益"，最终目的是卷款跑路。 为了刺激老人拉新，这个平台还许诺报销餐费、路费、住宿费等。 在打假声明中，长虹控股表示，公司及下属公司将采取一切法律行动维护自身合法权益。同时，公司提 醒社会公众：如果发现身边存在疑似非法金融活动，或者因参与非法金融活动导致自身权益受损，及时 向公安机关、金融监管部门反映，通过合法途径维护自身合法权益。 记者注意到，长虹集团投资有限公司较为活跃，其前期、近 ...