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Success in Failure | Barry Minkow builds his ministry on what's gone wrong.

Stop Fraud Before It Starts | Barry Minkow says every investor should get the answer to four questions before investing.

More about the Fraud Discovery Institute, including their training and investigative work, is available from their website.

More about Minkow's ministry is available from San Diego Community Bible Church.

Minkow's most recent bust, totaling $26 million, hit the news last month.

Alleged Ponzi scheme aimed at blacks took in $26 million | An alleged Southern California investment scheme targeting African Americans took more than $25.7 million from at least 1,273 people, a court-appointed receiver said Tuesday. That's triple the number first alleged by federal regulators who shut down two Riverside-based companies that used black celebrities to woo investors. (Associated Press, Nov. 23, 2004)

Fraud allegations detailed in report | Records unearthed at Riverside's Financial Solutions, the latest Inland Empire firm shut down by fraud allegations, reveal ambitious fund-raising goals pushing into the billions. (The Press-Enterprise, Nov. 9, 2004)

News articles on frauds discovered by Minkow, including some not mentioned in this article include:

Thoroughbred investment firm skips hearing, denies it's a scam | Despite being shut down in July by California fraud regulators accusing it of bilking investors out of $15 million, a Tennessee company claiming to invest in thoroughbred racehorses is continuing to operate under a different name while its lawyers say company did nothing wrong. (Associated Press, Oct. 7, 2004)

Calif. Firm Accused of Pyramid Scheme; Marines, Churches Invested | A federal judge has frozen the assets of a California-based real estate company after authorities accused it of running a securities scam that counts at least 30 active-duty Marines and several churches as investors. (Associated Press, May 11, 2004)

Calif investment firm lacks licenses, records show | Financial Advisory Consultants, an Orange County-based investment firm, claims to have generated extraordinary profits for its clients over 20 years, but records indicate it has not registered with state and federal agencies that regulate financial advisers and investment funds. (Associated Press, Dec. 10, 2003)

U.S. probe shuts down Inland investment firm | A Riverside company promising fat returns was shut down this week after raising money at lavish events authorities say were aimed at bringing in $150 million. (The Press-Enterprise, November 5, 2004)

Other Christianity Today fraud articles include:

Fools' Gold | Christians lured into buying 'rare' coins. (June 30, 2004)

The 419 Fraud | New twist on an old scam tempts Christians to accept millions from a Muslim convert. (Nov. 20, 2002)

Swindle Taints Nigerian Church | Church growth and credibility in danger because of scam. (Nov. 20, 2002)

Greater Ministries Leaders Get Lengthy Prison Terms | After taking in 18,000 Christians with "gifting" program, five leaders convicted. (Oct. 2, 2001)

Indictments Handed Down | Five former Baptist Foundation of Arizona officials plead not guilty to theft, fraud, and racketeering. (May 17, 2001)

Jury Convicts Greater Ministries of Fraud | Five leaders face jail time for one of the largest Ponzi operations ever. (March 28, 2001)

Health Ministry Fraud Alleged | Ohio seeks $16 million in damages against Christian Brotherhood Newsletter. (March 9, 2001)

Elderly Investors Target Accountant | But Baptist Foundation of Arizona victims will have to wait in line. (May 17, 2001)

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January 2005, Vol. 49, No. 1