Scam Warning

U.S. government officials are warning that dishonest companies may be targeting the deaf. For instance, the Securities and Exchange Commission says a company going by the name Imperia Invest defrauded some 14,000 investors around the world of $7 million - most of that coming from the deaf in the United States. The Commission warns that companies will send fake emails to people that may say something like this:

"'I am so happy because I got $100,000 check from the IBC Imperial Investment Company. They gave me the money for a deaf and hearing support. I wonder if you get your money. Email to them IBC right now ... so they can bring money to you too. Many of my friends email to them and they got money too.'"

Another e-mail told of a co-worker who got an $850,000 check from IBC Imperial Investment Company after paying $500 for processing and shipping. But, of course, there is no big check waiting on anyone who responds. The company simply keeps whatever money is sent to it. Anyone asking for fees upfront should be dismissed as a scam artist.