affinity fraud

American  

[uh-fin-i-tee frawd] / əˈfɪn ɪ ti ˌfrɔd /

noun

1. a fraudulent investment scheme in which a swindler preys upon members of an identifiable group, as a religious or ethnic group, often by claiming to be a member of the group and promising fellow group members special access, profit, or other benefits.

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Etymology

Origin of affinity fraud

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

It's a form of affinity fraud, which is where a con artist will exploit a shared identity with their victim — such as religious affiliation — to gain their trust, before shaking them down for cash.

From Salon

Affinity fraud refers to a preexisting group connection between people that can allow scams to happen.

From Scientific American

This type of scamming is called affinity fraud.

From Washington Post

The agency accuses Betancourt of committing securities violations in a scheme that authorities describe as “affinity fraud.”

From Seattle Times

Affinity fraud is a tried and true way for scammers to infiltrate a network of friends and family.

From Washington Post