Iryna

I understand you were contacted by Iryna (ifedyk340@outlook.com) who offered a high-return investment opportunity involving moving a large sum of money. This is a classic investment scam, and here's why you should avoid it:

• Large upfront returns with little to no risk are unrealistic: Legitimate investments typically involve some degree of risk. If someone promises guaranteed returns with no risk, it's a scam.

• Requests to move money on someone else's behalf are illegal: Iryna's request to move a large sum of money likely involves money laundering, which is a serious crime.

• Involvement of Red Cross officials is a red flag: The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization and wouldn't be involved in such financial transactions.

Here's what you should do:

1. Do not communicate further with Iryna: Cease all communication with Iryna and block their email address.

2. Report the scam to the authorities: You can report the scam to the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) using their website: https://www.efcc.gov.ng/efcc/ or by calling their hotline: +234 800 333 0444.

3. Educate yourself about investment scams: Learning about common investment scams can help you avoid them in the future. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a helpful resource on their website: https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-alerts/investor-5

Investment scams come in many forms, but here are some unique tips to help you avoid them:

• Be wary of unsolicited investment offers: If someone contacts you out of the blue about an investment opportunity, be very cautious. Legitimate investment firms typically don't resort to cold calling or unsolicited emails.

• Do your research before investing: Never invest in something you don't understand. Research the investment opportunity thoroughly, including the company, the product or service, and the people involved.

• Beware of guaranteed returns: As mentioned earlier, legitimate investments carry some degree of risk. Promises of guaranteed returns are a major red flag.

• Don't be pressured to invest quickly: Scammers often try to pressure you into making a quick decision. Take your time to research the opportunity and consult with a financial advisor before investing any money.

• Verify the registration of investment professionals and firms: You can verify the registration of investment professionals and firms with your local financial regulatory agency. This helps ensure you're dealing with legitimate entities.

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is: This is a good rule of thumb for any investment opportunity. If the returns seem too high or the risks seem too low, it's likely a scam.

By following these tips, you can be a more informed investor and avoid falling victim to investment scams. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your hard-earned money.