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Last updated - January 30, 2026
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Verde Retirement LLC was one of three entities charged by the SEC in 2012 alongside Steven Hamilton for securities fraud in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded at least 23 investors of over $1.6 million from 2007 to early 2011.
Managing Partner
Medium Risk
Based on the available data, we suggest consumers approach this Company with caution.
This advisory is based on a medium-risk score derived from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors identified in our research.
You may face moderate risks when engaging in consumer-related activities with this entity.
Based on the available data, we advise employees to be mindful when considering or continuing work with this Company.
This advisory stems from a medium-risk score compiled from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors uncovered in our analysis.
Employment with this entity may involve moderate risks.
Based on the available data, we recommend investors and bankers proceed with caution regarding this Company.
This advisory is informed by a medium-risk score based on OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors identified through our investigation.
Financial involvement with this entity may carry moderate risks to your interests.
Safe to Onboard
Enhanced Due Diligence required
Do Not Onboard
Monitor adverse media every 6 months
File SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) is warranted
Escalation to compliance committee
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According to the SEC complaint, Verde Retirement LLC misrepresented that investor money would be placed into real estate loans, certificates of deposit, or other secure assets, when in reality, those investments were never made and funds were misappropriated.
The SEC’s allegations strongly suggest it. The enforcement action described the operations as a series of Ponzi schemes — where new investor funds were used to pay earlier investors rather than being properly invested.
Very limited public reviews exist online — aside from historical legal action, there appears to be scarce recent public reputation data specifically about Verde Retirement LLC’s current business practices, which itself can be considered a transparency concern when researching investment firms.
Absolutely. The past regulatory action by the SEC indicates serious concerns about honesty and proper use of funds. Any investment or retirement planning service with a history of fraud allegations warrants heightened diligence — including confirming current registration status with financial regulators, reviewing audited financials, and seeking professional legal/financial advice.
Yes. In 2012, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Verde Retirement LLC (along with related entities and its principal) with running illegal Ponzi-style investment schemes and defrauding investors of approximately $1.6 million. The SEC alleged that investor funds were not used as represented and instead were diverted to personal expenses or to pay returns to earlier investors.
Yes. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Verde Retirement LLC and its principal, Steven L. Hamilton, in 2012 with running illegal Ponzi schemes and defrauding at least 23 investors of around $1.6 million.
Regulatory and Compliance Screening
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Verde Retirement LLC: Defunct LLC charged by SEC in 2012 for Ponzi fraud; falsely promised real estate/CD investments, misappropriated funds.
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Verde Retirement LLC, a defunct entity run by Steven L. Hamilton, was charged by the SEC in 2012 for a Ponzi scheme defrauding investors of ~$642K wit
SEC charged Verde Retirement LLC as a defendant alongside Steven L. Hamilton for securities fraud related to Ponzi schemes.
Verde Retirement LLC was named by the SEC in a $1.6M Ponzi scheme case, accused of misleading investors and misusing funds.
Verde Retirement LLC was linked to a $1.6M scheme where investor funds promised for safe, high returns were allegedly misused.
Based on user engagement on this review profile, ProConsumer will decide to publish its Risk Audit report for public if a threshold engagement, traffic and user input is achieved.
Known Assets: [Real estate, investments, companies]
Suspicious Transactions
Liabilities: [Bankruptcies, defaults, debts]
Wealth Sources: [Legitimate / Unclear / High-risk]
Bank Relationships
Ultimate Beneficial Owner(s) (UBOs)
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Offshore / shell company links
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Business Model Assessment
All comments are user-generated content and may not be verified. They represent the personal opinions of the public and should not be relied upon. These comments do not influence or determine our overall rating.
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1.7
1.3
2.7
Highly experienced
Well-recognized name
Faced allegations of scamming others
Allegedly sold fake silver
Sued multiple times
Unregulated industry
Alarming number of complaints online
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Investors were advised they could use retirement funds (e.g., IRAs) to invest in the company’s offerings, increasing potential retirement losses when the scheme’s true nature emerged.
1/5
3/5
The SEC alleged that Verde Retirement and its affiliates raised approximately $1.6 million from at least 23 investors, none of which was placed into the purported investments, indicating fraudulent misrepresentation.
2/5
Verde Retirement LLC was charged by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with running an illegal Ponzi-style investment scheme, misleading investors about the nature of their funds and expected returns.
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