- Michael and Amanda Griffis face $7M penalty in crypto fraud
- Tennessee realtors operated fraudulent crypto pool, affecting 145
- CFTC enforces action; no market disruption recorded
A Tennessee couple, Michael and Amanda Griffis, must pay nearly $7 million, ordered by the CFTC, for orchestrating a fraudulent crypto scheme called “Blessings Thru Crypto” affecting 145 investors from 2021 to 2023.
The penalty underscores ongoing concerns over crypto fraud, prompting calls for vigilance among retail investors and highlighting weaknesses in fraud detection within emerging digital asset markets.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has ordered Michael and Amanda Griffis to pay nearly $7 million for a fraudulent crypto scheme. The Tennessee couple misled 145 investors through a false crypto trading pool known as “Blessings Thru Crypto.”
This order follows a detailed investigation into their activities, uncovering misappropriated funds and false promises. “The defendants fraudulently solicited and misappropriated funds,” stated the CFTC. The scandal impacts consumer trust in small-scale crypto investments.
The fraudulent scheme misled investors to trust unverified returns, resulting in substantial monetary losses. The couple diverted $4 million to sham offshore platforms and made $855,000 in Ponzi-style payouts. Investor caution is paramount, as advised by the CFTC.
Financially, this case has not affected major crypto markets or tokens such as BTC or ETH. The impacted funds were mostly from individual investors, with no institutional involvement. Regulatory bodies emphasize investor due diligence through robust verification methods.
Historically, incidents of crypto-related fraud have increased. This case is among several CFTC enforcement actions addressing such schemes, underscoring rising fraud cases. Financial losses from crypto scams nationwide rose 45% from 2022 to 2023.
Experts anticipate increased regulatory scrutiny of fraudulent crypto activities. Emphasizing investor education, they urge consumers to use credible databases for verification. Enhanced regulatory measures may help avert future financial fraud in the growing crypto industry.
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