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Affinity Fraud occurs when a fraudster exploits the trust and connections within a specific group, such as religious, ethnic, or professional communities, to deceive members of that group into investment scams. The fraudster often gains credibility and access to potential victims by leveraging shared characteristics or affiliations, exploiting the natural tendency of individuals to trust others in their community. This type of fraud can be particularly devastating as victims may be less likely to question the legitimacy of the investment opportunity or conduct thorough due diligence, assuming that fellow members would not steer them wrong. Affinity fraud schemes can range from Ponzi schemes to bogus investment opportunities promising unrealistically high returns, all targeting the vulnerability and trust inherent in close-knit communities.