Authorities Warn of Global Fraud Linked to BG Wealth Sharing

State and federal authorities have issued urgent warnings regarding BG Wealth Sharing, a firm accused of operating an international cryptocurrency pyramid scheme that has targeted investors across the United States and abroad [1, 2]. Following reports of significant financial losses, the U.S. Department of Justice seized the company’s website, and regulators have launched investigations into the organization's business practices [1, 2, 3].

Key takeaways

• Regulators describe the firm as an international fraud that lacks legal registration to provide investment advice or sell securities [2].
• The company allegedly used high-pressure tactics, including referral incentives and promises of unrealistic wealth, to recruit new members [1, 3].
• Victims have been targeted by an "advance-fee" scam, where the firm demands a 12% payment to unlock account balances that are believed to be fake [2, 3].
• Law enforcement agencies in multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the Philippines, have issued cease-and-desist orders or warnings against the entity [2, 3].

A Pattern of Deception and Recruitment

BG Wealth Sharing attracted investors through large-scale events, including a gathering at the Mountain America Expo Center in Utah where organizers gave away prizes like Teslas and iPhones to build credibility [2]. The firm claimed to engage in Bitcoin day-trading and promised daily yields ranging from 1.3% to 2.6% [3]. According to state regulators, these returns were likely fabricated to encourage further investment [2]. In Hawaii, organizers held training sessions and meetings, such as one at the Nanakuli Library, where they claimed participants could become millionaires within 11 months by recruiting others [1].

The scheme relied heavily on community-based recruitment, often targeting specific groups such as the Filipino American community [1]. Participants were frequently encouraged to involve friends and family members who were struggling financially [2]. While some investors saw their online account balances grow, they discovered they could not withdraw their funds [2]. When users attempted to access their money, the firm allegedly demanded an additional 12% "tax" or fee, a tactic Robert Cummings, director of Utah’s Division of Securities, identified as a final attempt to extract money before the scheme collapses [2, 3].

Why it matters

The collapse of BG Wealth Sharing highlights the growing prevalence of cyber-enabled financial crimes, which accounted for a significant portion of the $21 billion lost to such activities in the U.S. last year [3]. Authorities emphasize that the account balances shown to investors were likely fake and that there is no evidence legitimate trading ever occurred [2].

Federal investigators, along with regulators in the U.S., Canada, and other nations, are currently working to track the flow of funds [2]. Officials advise those who invested in the platform to report their experiences to the Utah Division of Securities and warn against sending additional money to anyone claiming they can recover lost assets [2].