If you responded to an investment idea like this . . .
          You could get scammed!

Growth Venture, Ltd. does not exist. It is a complete fabrication, posted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the NASD to alert investors to potential on-line frauds.  

We created this site because we've all seen a large number of investment scams springing out of the recent hurricanes and events in the Gulf of Mexico. Some of them are circulated through faxes and “spam” e-mails, promising unbelievably high returns for small, thinly traded companies that will supposedly benefit hugely from recovery and cleanup efforts.  Other scams, like Growth Venture, have popped up on the Internet.  

This site shows some of the telltale signs of on-line investment fraud. Promises of fast and high profits, with little or no risk, are classic red flags of fraud. Remember — if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! A recent FBI release can tell you why it’s a “bull market” for investment scams, and a NASD investor alert can help you spot  scams relating to Hurricane Katrina.  For more information, read the SEC's brochure, "Internet Fraud: How to Avoid Investment Scams," or the tip sheet, "Stock Market Fraud: 'Survivor' Check List."  

Before making any investment — online or offline — it pays to do your own research to make sure the company exists, that its products are genuine and its claims legitimate. Growth Venture has no track record and no legitimate products.  If a company is registered with the SEC, you can find financial statements on the SEC’s website, filed electronically through "EDGAR." If a company is not registered with the SEC, check with your state securities regulator before investing.  For more information and to learn how to protect yourself, visit the investment fraud page of the Postal Inspection Service’s website.  

Finally, Growth Venture prominently promises that “40% of all profits will be donated to disaster relief efforts.”  While that sounds pretty good, we’ve noticed that con artists often use statements like that to make you think they are warm-hearted people (instead of crooks trying to steal your money).  Postal Inspectors advise caution before giving — make sure your money supports legitimate charities.  The Federal Trade Commission also has published information to help make sure your charitable donations go for a good cause.

e-mail us