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The Digital Wolves of Wall Street: How Social Media Scammers Are Stealing Investors’ Money

by Eric Seyboldt, MBA

A New Breed of Con Artists

The rules of investing haven’t changed—but the scams have. Today’s financial fraudsters don’t wear ski masks or lurk in dark alleys. Instead, they hide behind anonymous social media profiles, encrypted messaging apps, and fake investment groups designed to lure unsuspecting investors into sophisticated pump-and-dump schemes.

And they’re winning.

These schemes aren’t just wiping out small-time investors. They’re targeting professionals, retirees, and even seasoned traders. Scammers are leveraging social media’s reach to manipulate stock prices, create artificial buying frenzies, and disappear with massive profits—leaving everyday investors holding worthless stocks.

It’s the same old con wrapped in new technology, and if you don’t know what to look for, you could be the next victim.

How the Pump-and-Dump Scam Works

The scam starts with a little-known stock—usually a cheap, low-volume security that’s easy to manipulate. The fraudsters behind the scheme quietly buy up large amounts of shares before launching an aggressive social media campaign designed to lure investors in.

The tactics? Highly coordinated and incredibly deceptive:

• Fake Financial Gurus & Celebrity Endorsements – Scammers impersonate hedge fund managers, financial experts, or even business moguls on Twitter (X), LinkedIn, and YouTube, hyping up a stock as the “next big thing.” Some even create deepfake videos featuring well-known investors “endorsing” the stock.

• Exclusive Investment Groups – Victims are invited into private WhatsApp or Telegram chats, where fake “insider information” is shared. The group feels secretive, almost elite—except everyone in it is being manipulated.

• Fake Trading Momentum – Scammers execute a flurry of small trades to make the stock appear active and on the rise. They’ll post screenshots showing fake profits, creating a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out).

• Psychological Pressure – Victims are told, “This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance,” and pressured into investing quickly before the stock “takes off.”

Once enough unsuspecting investors buy in, the stock price skyrockets. And just as fast as it rises, the scammers sell their shares for massive profits—leaving everyone else scrambling as the stock crashes back to reality.

The fraudsters? They vanish into thin air. The investors? They’re left staring at empty brokerage accounts, wondering how they got duped.

Real-Life Victims: The Everyday Investors Who Lost It All

This isn’t just happening to greedy risk-takers. It’s happening to retirees, professionals, and cautious investors who thought they were making a smart move.

• A Retired Teacher’s Life Savings Wiped Out – A 68-year-old former schoolteacher received a message on Facebook from what appeared to be a well-known investor. He invited her to a “private investment group” on Telegram, where everyone seemed to be making money on a hot new stock. She invested $50,000—half her retirement fund. Within days, the stock crashed. The group disappeared. Her savings were gone.

• A Young Professional’s Big Break Turns Into a Nightmare – A 32-year-old engineer trying to grow his portfolio joined a Discord group promising access to “undervalued stocks before they explode.” He followed their step-by-step instructions and saw his investment double in days—then the stock plummeted overnight. The so-called experts ghosted him.

These aren’t rare cases. This is happening every day, draining billions from investors who never see it coming.

How to Protect Yourself

The best defense against fraud is knowing the warning signs. Here’s how to make sure you don’t fall into the trap:

1. Ignore the “Too Good to Be True” Hype

No legitimate investment opportunity spreads through viral tweets, random Telegram groups, or text messages from strangers. If someone is pressuring you to buy a stock “before it’s too late,” walk away.

2. Stay Away From Private Investment Groups

If you’re invited to an “exclusive investor circle” on WhatsApp, Discord, or Telegram, assume it’s a scam. Fraudsters use these groups to create an illusion of legitimacy while manipulating their victims.

3. Verify, Verify, Verify

Before investing, check official filings with the SEC, read reputable financial news, and research the stock’s fundamentals. Real investments have real track records—not just hype.

4. Watch for Sudden Price Spikes

If an unknown stock suddenly shoots up in value with no clear reason (no earnings report, no major announcement), that’s a red flag. Scammers rely on rapid price movements to pull off their scheme.

5. Never Let Emotions Drive Your Trades

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a weapon scammers use against you. Take a step back, do your own research, and never invest based on social media hype alone.

6. Report Suspicious Activity

If you come across a potential scam, report it to the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy or your brokerage firm. The faster these scams are exposed, the less damage they can cause.

Final Warning: Trust But Verify

Scammers thrive on ignorance and desperation. They count on investors being too trusting, too eager, and too afraid of missing out. The moment you see an investment opportunity spreading like wildfire on social media, it’s time to ask:

“Is this a real opportunity, or am I being set up?”

Because in today’s digital age, the difference between building wealth and losing everything often comes down to one thing—knowing when to walk away.

Stay skeptical. Stay informed. And most importantly, protect your money.

Reach out to us for a complimentary, 10-minute consultation call. Let's explore strategies to protect your wealth and make your retirement everything you've dreamed of—secure, fulfilling, and worry-free. Schedule a free 10-minute consultation today by calling 614-943-2265. Your future deserves the best plan, and we're here to help make it happen.

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THE RETIREMENT RULES 95% IGNORE—AND WHY IT’S COSTING THEM EVERYTHING

by Eric Seyboldt, MBA

Client: Eric, I keep hearing that most retirees struggle financially because they ignore basic principles. What are these rules, and why do so many fail to follow them?

Eric: Great question. The truth is, a successful retirement isn’t some secret formula. It’s a series of fundamental financial disciplines that 95% of people either underestimate or outright ignore. Yet, those who do follow these rules find themselves financially secure, stress-free, and able to enjoy their golden years without worry. Let’s go through these rules, one by one, and why so many fail to take them seriously.

Rule #1: Start Early—Compounding Rewards Those Who Respect Time

Client: I’ve heard of compound interest, but how does it make such a big difference in retirement?

Eric: Let me put it this way: The difference between starting at 25 and 45 isn’t just 20 years—it’s millions of dollars left on the table.

A person who starts saving $500 a month at 25 with a 7% annual return will have nearly $1.2 million by 65. Someone who starts at 45? They’ll struggle to reach even $250,000. The lost growth is staggering, yet most people don’t act until they feel retirement looming. By then, they’re playing catch-up with insufficient time.

Rule #2: Pay Yourself First—Automate Your Future Wealth

Client: I try to save when I can, but expenses always seem to get in the way. What’s the solution?

Eric: The problem is mindset. Most people treat saving as optional, rather than essential.

The wealthiest retirees follow one simple habit: They automate their savings before spending a dime. The 401(k) contributions, the Roth IRA deposits—these are non-negotiable. Meanwhile, the 95% who struggle in retirement? They save only when they “have extra”—which never happens, because lifestyle inflation eats up every dollar.

Rule #3: Diversification—Don’t Bet Your Future on a Single Horse

Client: Isn’t investing in high-growth stocks the fastest way to build wealth?

Eric: Fast, maybe. Smart, no.

A well-structured portfolio spreads risk. Stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments work together to provide steady growth and protection against downturns. Yet, many retirees fall into one of two traps:

1. Overconfidence—Going all-in on stocks, only to suffer huge losses when the market dips.

2. Over-cautiousness—Keeping everything in cash or CDs, watching inflation erode purchasing power.

The best retirees balance risk and reward through diversification, ensuring their nest egg can weather any storm.

Rule #4: Avoid Lifestyle Creep—Live Below Your Means

Client: I’ve worked hard for my money—shouldn’t I be able to enjoy it?

Eric: Of course. But enjoying wealth is not the same as overspending it.

The biggest financial mistake? Lifestyle inflation. Every raise, every bonus gets funneled into a bigger house, a fancier car, or a more luxurious vacation—until suddenly, there’s nothing left for retirement.

The truly successful retirees are the ones who keep their expenses reasonable even as their income rises. They invest the difference instead of spending it.

Rule #5: Plan for Longevity—You’ll Live Longer Than You Think

Client: How much should I really be saving?

Eric: Most people underestimate their lifespan and, in turn, their financial needs. Running out of money at 75 when you might live to 95 is a nightmare scenario.

With medical advancements, retirees today are living longer than ever. Failing to plan for 30+ years of retirement income is one of the biggest financial miscalculations.

That’s why the smartest retirees:

• Assume they’ll live longer than expected.

• Invest in long-term care plans.

• Have a withdrawal strategy to avoid depleting their savings too soon.

Rule #6: Work with a Financial Advisor—Even the Best Need Guidance

Client: I can manage my own investments, right? Why would I need an advisor?

Eric: Can you? Maybe. Should you? Absolutely not.

Even the wealthiest, most financially literate individuals seek professional guidance. Why? Because personal biases lead to bad decisions. Fear drives panic selling. Greed leads to risky bets. A good financial advisor provides objective, unemotional decision-making—something most retirees lack when managing their own money.

The Final Word—Success Comes to Those Who Act

Client: Eric, you’ve laid it all out. Why do so few people actually follow these rules?

Eric: Because financial success isn’t about intelligence—it’s about discipline. Most people ignore these rules because they’re inconvenient. They require sacrifice, patience, and the ability to delay gratification.

But here’s the truth: Following these principles isn’t just about financial security—it’s about freedom. The ability to retire comfortably, travel without worry, and leave behind a legacy. That’s what’s at stake. The question isn’t whether these rules work—it’s whether you’re willing to follow them before it’s too late.

Conclusion: Be the 5%, Not the 95%

Most people will ignore these principles. They’ll assume they have time, or they’ll let emotions guide their financial decisions. But those who take these rules seriously will enter retirement with confidence, knowing they’ve secured their future.

The choice is simple: Follow the rules and prosper, or ignore them and struggle.

Which will you choose?

Contact us for a free, brief 10-minute consultation. Let's explore strategies to protect your wealth and make your retirement everything you've dreamed of—secure, fulfilling, and worry-free. Schedule a free 10-minute consultation today by calling 614-943-2265. Your future deserves the best plan, and we're here to help make it happen.

Fixed annuities can be an essential component of a well-rounded retirement strategy, offering security, predictability, and efficiency in financial planning.

These are current fixed annuity rates and their durations from Top A-rated carriers (subject to change at any time, not FDIC insured):

Rates Just Popped Up! Don’t Wait To Lock These Fixed Annuity Rates In Today!

3-year: 5.40% (under $100k Deposited)

3-year: 5.55% (over $100k Deposited)

5-year: 5.65% (under $100k Deposited)

5-year: 5.75% (over $100k Deposited)

Please feel free to call Eric at 614-943-2265 if you’d like to ask any questions or request information on these fixed annuities or other retirement topics that are on your mind.

REAL ASSETS, Invest Like the Ultra-Wealthy

The Smartest Investors Are Moving to Gold—Are You?

Uncertain times call for real investments. As inflation rises and central banks flood the market with printed money, the most forward-thinking investors are securing their wealth with gold—the ultimate hedge against economic volatility.

History proves it: tangible assets like gold don’t just survive downturns; they thrive. While traditional investments fluctuate, gold maintains and even grows in value, providing a solid foundation for financial security.

Why leave your portfolio exposed? Diversify with gold now and protect what you’ve worked so hard to build. The smartest investors are making the move—will you?

Allocating funds into the asset class known as “Real Assets” may be a strategy that you should consider.

Ask us how to Rollover a portion of Your IRA or 401k To A BOURBON IRA (www.bourbon.fund/how-it-works/) or a GOLD IRA (see link below) and:

• Safeguard your assets from the collapsing dollar

• Incorporate the ‘REAL ASSET’ class into your portfolio like the ultra-wealthy

• Hedge against the current high-inflation conditions

• Protect your retirement assets against economic crises

Just get in touch. We make it easier than ever.

Feedback or Questions?

You’re invited to get in touch with us if you’d like to find out how the Novus Financial Group can help you on your journey to a happy, fulfilling life in Retirement. 

Office: 614-943-2265

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Investment advisory services are offered by duly registered individuals on behalf of CreativeOne Wealth, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser.

The content we provide here isn’t financial advice and cannot be taken as such. Please speak to your financial advisor before making any investment decision. Also, note that every investment comes with its risks and drawbacks. Lastly, we would like to remind you that past results cannot guarantee future returns.

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