Definition ∞ A fraudulent investment is a deceptive plan created to trick individuals into releasing funds under false promises of high returns. These plans often involve misrepresentation, hiding facts, or direct falsehoods about the investment’s nature or potential. Victims typically face substantial financial loss.
Context ∞ The cryptocurrency market has unfortunately seen numerous instances of fraudulent investments, ranging from Ponzi schemes to counterfeit initial coin offerings. The appeal of rapid wealth, combined with insufficient regulatory clarity and investor education, makes the digital asset space susceptible to such deception. News reports frequently cover these schemes, cautioning investors and detailing enforcement actions against wrongdoers.