Investment fraud is on the rise according to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation.

The organizations report that a recent report from the FBI indicates that investment fraud has increased by 52% over the past five years. They also note that investment fraud is largely underreported; and, as it often targets seniors and retirees, they expect investment fraud to increase further as the baby boomers retire over the next 20 years.

To combat this trend, the two organizations are teaming up and say they will establish investment fraud prevention programs at the state level through the NCPC’s network of state crime prevention associations.

The partnership aims to better equip law enforcement officers to address investment fraud in their communities, and to help consumers identify common tactics, protection strategies and where to get help. The NCPC will also conduct a webinar series providing protection and prevention strategies to combat this crime.