(The Epoch Times)—There has been a surge of criminals targeting stock investors in the United States in a “ramp-and-dump” stock manipulation scheme via messaging apps and social media platforms, the FBI said in a July 3 alert.
In the scheme, “investment clubs” are promoted among potential targets. These clubs are often bots or fake accounts, and the promotional messaging directs victims to secure messaging apps where the group operates. Scammers impersonate legitimate brokerage firms or well-known stock analysts to appear credible.
“They secretly control a large volume of a low-priced stock and coordinate efforts to inflate its price (‘ramp up’) by encouraging investment club members to purchase shares over a period of several weeks or months,” said the alert.
“Once the price is artificially elevated, the criminals sell off (‘dump’) their shares at a profit, leaving unsuspecting investors with significant losses as the stock value collapses.”
According to the FBI, there has been at least a 300 percent annual jump in victims complaining about ramp-and-dump stock fraud so far this year.
The agency asked investors who suspect they’ve been duped in investment fraud to report the incident to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) website.
The FBI’s Chicago Division released a statement earlier this year seeking victim information on a ramp-and-dump investment scheme.
In January, some individuals allegedly impersonated U.S. investment advisors, making “false representations and instructed investors to purchase shares of CLEU stock, promising significant returns on their investment.” CLEU refers to China Liberal Education Holdings Limited.
“However, when the value of CLEU stock dropped dramatically on January 30, many investors lost nearly all of the funds invested in these shares,” the FBI statement said.
Warning Signs of Fraud
In the FBI alert, the agency detailed some of the red flags to watch out for to identify whether an investment proposal is part of a ramp-and-dump scheme.
For instance, people targeted by scammers could receive unsolicited investment tips via “accidental” messages with links to online investment clubs.
The scammers may push to buy low-priced stocks in emerging or new companies, promising high returns, and even vowing to cover losses incurred from investing in these entities, said the alert.
They can pressure people to quickly buy stocks, citing a major market-moving event such as government approval or a company breakthrough, it added.
“If anyone requests your personal information, access to your financial account(s), or offers a financial benefit in exchange for sharing your information or opening an account, consider this a red flag; your information could be used to open an account through which another party can engage in manipulative activity,” said the FBI.
According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a self-regulatory organization of broker-dealers, one of the hallmarks of a ramp-and-dump scheme it has observed is “significant, unusual price increases” on small-cap stocks on the day, or shortly after, their IPOs.
Most of these involve companies having operations outside the United States, said the organization, adding that U.S. regulators believe ramp-and-dump schemes were involved in manipulating some of these IPOs.
FINRA cited stocks having small market capitalization and limited public float—the shares of a company available for trade to the public—as a red flag of ramp-and-dump fraud.
“These schemes have been more commonly found in relation to IPOs raising less than $25 million and issuing fewer than 20 million shares, with issuer valuations under $100 million,” FINRA said.
“Limited public float means that only a small portion of overall shares is available to the public. When a company has limited public float, its shares can be more volatile and harder for investors to sell.”
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
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The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
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As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
