Utah Division of Securities

08/19/2026

Luxury jets and "passive income" promises masked a $21 million lie. ✈️💰
In Part Two of our series on the investigation of the Alpha Influence Ponzi scheme, we go behind the scenes with our very own Cidne Orchard from the Utah Division of Securities. We pull back the curtain on the forensic accounting that finally dismantled Jeremiah "The Bull" Evans’ empire.
We also break down the red flags of affinity fraud. 🎧 Listen now on the Utah Fraudcast wherever you get your podcasts!

08/03/2026

How did an "alpha male" influencer dupe 530 people out of $21 MILLION?

In Part One of our series, we unpack the "Alpha Influence" Ponzi scheme run by Jeremiah "The Bull" Evans, a case investigated right here by us at the Utah Division of Securities. From fake Amazon drop-shipping empires and rented private jets to an 8-year federal prison sentence.

Listen at https://commerce.utah.gov/fraudcast/ or wherever you get your podcasts!

07/27/2026

Financial advice is everywhere on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. While some content creators offer helpful tips on budgeting or saving, many "finfluencers" give risky investment advice without proper licensing, regulatory oversight, or a fiduciary duty to protect your money.

Our Division Director recently joined FOX 13 News to share key red flags to watch for when navigating financial advice online:

If you’re online, it’s difficult to avoid all the noise surrounding financial advice and planning. So how do you know who to trust?

03/03/2026

This National Consumer Protection Week, it’s important to know that you’re not alone when it comes to scams! If you encounter any suspicious activity or fall victim to a scam, you can report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, the Federal Trade Commission, and local law enforcement. Protect yourself and others by speaking up!

02/11/2026

A Utah man is behind bars after allegedly orchestrating a $1 million Ponzi scheme involving fake real estate and vehicle flips. He is accused of promising massive returns but used new investor cash for personal gain. Check the details of the indictment and learn how to verify your broker before you invest.

Read the story here: https://commerce.utah.gov/2026/02/11/utah-man-behind-bars-following-1-million-ponzi-scheme/

01/05/2026

Scammers are using more AI and social media to give classic investment cons a high-tech upgrade. From "pig butchering" to AI-generated fake charts, fraud is more deceptive than ever in 2026.

Read the full article here: https://securities.utah.gov/2026/01/05/old-tricks-new-twists-avoiding-investment-scams-in-2026/

12/08/2025

The State of Utah has earned an 'A' grade for its exemplary commitment to financial literacy education.
This prestigious recognition reflects the effectiveness of our state's educational standards, including the requirement for a stand-alone General Financial Literacy course for high school graduation. This course is a pioneering measure in the nation. Furthermore, this achievement validates the integrated K-12 instruction provided through the Financial and Economic Literacy Passport.
The Utah Division of Securities is dedicated to ensuring Utahns are equipped with the financial knowledge necessary for sound decision-making and investment protection.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/34hznb6z