By: Jeffrey M. Haber As readers of this Blog know, affinity fraud and Ponzi schemes often intersect because each reinforces the weaknesses of the other, creating a powerful and deceptive form of financial exploitation.¹ Affinity fraud is a form of financial deception that exploits the trust and social cohesion within a close‑knit group. These groups may be defined by shared religious beliefs, cultural or ethnic identity, professional affiliations, or community networks. The f

Today, we examine an enforcement action brought by the SEC involving a Ponzi-like scheme that targeted retired senior citizens that the defendant met through his church community