Matt Gagnon Currency Exchange Scam

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the etymology of the word "affinity" has both Anglo-French or Latin origins, and dates to the 14th century. Affinity generally means "kinship" or a likeness based on connection. Business scams based on affinities are often disguised as investment deals or sales opportunities with organizers claiming a close identity with members of the targeted group.

Wide Scope of Affinity Scams

An affinity scheme can apply to a wide range of affinities. In a U.S. 7th Circuit Court decision issued on February 17, 2010, the facts of the case involved the United Airlines Employees' Credit Union (UAECU). The UAECU is a U.S.-based credit union where the affinity of the group is that its members are in the airline industry. The federal appellate court held that the UAECU had been defrauded and targeted as a professional associational group. See United States of America v. Ondray Pulley, (7th Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 08-3363, Decided 12/17/2010).