(Special) - Affinity fraud is one of the big forms of fraud
being perpetrated today - big because it is becoming more common
and because it involves groups of people, most notably new
immigrants, religious and minority groups, and social clubs.
It's also one of the most insidious forms of fraud because it
preys on people's basic need for human companionship and trust
in people who share similar ethnic backgrounds, values,
principles and interests.  "Affinity fraud is definitely one of
the two big forms of fraud out there today, the other being
Ponzi schemes," says Tom Hamza, President of the Investor
Education Fund.  The pattern of most affinity frauds is very
similar.  The perpetrator joins a group or community of some
kind - often a church - and gains the trust of its members. This
individual convinces members to invest in a scheme and then
walks away with the money.  Affinity fraud among religious
groups and church congregations has grown rapidly over the last
few years.  Church groups, congregations and