# AI Era Fraud Scandal SEC uncovers a fraud operation selling shares of companies like SpaceX and Anthropic. - **Source:** [Fortune | FORTUNE](https://brifing.si/source/769282ef-327a-4454-909a-3c7936216004) - **Published:** 2026-08-18 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/80800f1e-3c3a-48ec-bc74-b330d14d4ef8 ## SEC's Allegations The SEC alleges that The Spaventa Group raised $74 million by selling pre-IPO shares of companies like SpaceX, Anthropic, and Perplexity. The company reportedly used over 100 agents to make thousands of phone calls, deceiving investors. The operation particularly targeted retirees, causing significant financial harm through hidden fees. ## Investors' Situation According to the SEC, more than 800 people were involved in this fraud. Over 650 were individual investors who invested less than $100,000. More than 100 retirees were also victims. Investors paid an average of 46% more for their shares, with premiums reaching up to 91% in some cases. ## Scale of the Scandal The Spaventa Group raised $74 million over 4.5 years through 11 private funds operated from offices in Long Island and New Jersey. The scandal is linked to the high demand for AI and tech companies. The SEC warns that such frauds could increase in private markets. ## Previous Similar Cases This scandal is not the only fraud case handled by the SEC this year. Earlier, Giovanni Pennetta was accused of defrauding $10 million by selling fake shares of companies like Anduril. Pennetta pleaded guilty to wire fraud. These cases highlight irregularities in private markets. ## Company's Defense Andrew Spaventa, founder of The Spaventa Group, denies the SEC's allegations. In a phone interview, Spaventa rejected the charges and stated that defense preparations are ongoing. However, the SEC warns that such frauds could increase in private markets. ## Risks of Private Markets Private markets attract investors with high return promises but carry fraud risks due to lack of regulation. The SEC emphasizes that investors should be cautious, especially with pre-IPO share sales. Such scandals erode market trust and make investors more cautious. ## AI's Influence The scandal is linked to the high demand for AI companies. Anthropic and Perplexity are prominent names in the AI field. While their shares seem like attractive investment opportunities, they can be exploited by fraudsters. ## Future Implications The SEC states that it will continue to monitor fraud cases in private markets. Such scandals could lead to increased regulations. Investors should be more cautious, especially with pre-IPO share sales, and heed official warnings. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/08/18/ai-gets-its-own-boiler-room-scandal/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._