If you weren’t able to spot some of these red flags, don’t feel bad about yourself. Again, 40 percent of FINRA’s respondents couldn't spot the classic warnings of a financial con. What might be even more daunting is under-reporting of financial schemes, leaving authorities fewer clues to catch these crooks. Though 11 percent of people surveyed lost money in likely fraudulent activity, only 4 percent admitted to being a victim of fraud when asked directly. Back to the Beginning: Spotting the Signs of an Investment Scan