Any fraud associated with investments impacting a person or company, including the Prime Bank Instrument Investment Scheme, Fraudulent Manipulation of Stock Exchange Transactions , Insider Trading etc. is called Investment Fraud.
Persons promoting Prime Bank Instrument Investment Schemes lead prospective investors to believe they are being invited to participate in an otherwise secret trading regime. Investors might be required to sign non-disclosure and non-circumvention agreements which prevent them from disclosing to any persons the identity of the parties involved in the investment programs and the terms of the transactions.
Fraudulent investment schemes are often marketed by telephone salespersons using high-pressure selling techniques. Many of these criminals surround themselves with the trappings of legitimacy – rented office space, a receptionist, investment counselors, and professionally designed colour brochures describing the investment.
Stock Market fraud involves fraudulent manipulation of stock exchange transactions, wash-trading and match-trading, and false prospectus.
Unlawful insider trading occurs when privileged, non-public information is used to trade on securities or commodities markets. It may include the purchase or sale of shares prior to the disclosure of a corporate news release or the purchase or sale of shares on the basis of information that would never be disclosed to shareholders.
The Internet serves as an excellent tool for investors, allowing them to easily and inexpensively research investment opportunities. But the Internet is also an excellent tool for fraudsters. That's why you should always think twice before you invest your money in any opportunity you learn about through the Internet.
The Internet allows individuals or companies to communicate with a large audience without spending a lot of time, effort, or money. Anyone can reach tens of thousands of people by building an Internet web site, posting a message on an online bulletin board, entering a discussion in a live "chat" room, or sending mass e-mails. It's easy for fraudsters to make their messages look real and credible. But it's nearly impossible for investors to tell the difference between fact and fiction.
If you want to invest wisely and steer clear of frauds, you must get the facts. Never, ever, make an investment based solely on what you read in an online newsletter or bulletin board posting, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isn't well known. And don't even think about investing on your own in small companies that don't file regular reports with the SEC, unless you are willing to investigate each company thoroughly and to check the truth of every statement about the company.

Here are a few tips for avoiding investment scams:
• Don’t believe claims that there is no risk. There is always risk in investments, and no one but a con artist will tell you otherwise. Know the risk before you invest.
• Beware of promises that you’ll make big profits fast. No one can accurately predict how an investment will do. Often the investments that promise the most pay-off are also the most risky.
• Get the details in writing. Legitimate companies will be happy to give you all the information you need.
• Don’t agree to anything on the spot. Pressure to act immediately is a danger sign of fraud.
• Understand your investments. Do you know the difference between stocks and bonds, margin accounts and cash accounts, options and futures, mutual funds and certificates of deposit? If not, does your homework before you invest.
• Don’t act on testimonials from strangers. Someone who appears to want to share a friendly tip about a great investment opportunity may actually be a con artist trying to lure you into an investment scam.
• Be especially wary of investments in commodities. Crooks often promise that the value of investments in coins, precious metals, artwork, oil leases, gemstones, and other commodities will rise. The truth is that the value of these types of investments can go up or down significantly.
• Steer clear of “offshore investments.” These are often promoted as a way to avoid taxes. Actually, you are still liable for taxes, and the investments themselves are usually very risky.
• Be cautious about emails for investments. Many unsolicited emails are fraudulent.
• Take the time to check out investment offers. A good place to start is with your state securities regulator. Other resources for information to help you make wise investment decisions.