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Last updated - January 30, 2026
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Steven Hamilton and his firms, Verde Retirement LLC, Verde FX Nevada LLC, and Covenant Capital Partners, were charged by the SEC in 2012 for operating Ponzi schemes. From 2007 to early 2011, they defrauded at least 23 investors of over $1.6 million using promises and misused funds for personal expenses and repayments.
Managing Partner
Medium Risk
Based on the available data, we suggest consumers approach this Individual 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 Individual.
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 Individual.
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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Steven Hamilton is a former investment promoter accused by the U.S. SEC of running Ponzi-style investment schemes.
Regulators allege he misrepresented how investor funds would be used and diverted money for personal expenses.
Hamilton and his companies allegedly raised about $1.6 million from at least 23 investors between 2007 and 2011.
He was accused of operating a Ponzi scheme, using new investor money to pay earlier investors.
The SEC alleged that approximately $1.6 million was raised from investors through misleading claims.
Verde Retirement LLC, Verde FX Nevada LLC, and Covenant Capital Partners were named in the SEC action.
Regulatory and Compliance Screening
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Reputational and Adverse Media Risks
Geographic and Jurisdictional Risk
What you see here scratches the surface
We offer reward for actionable intel
Steven L. Hamilton: California man charged by SEC in 2012 for running $1.6M Ponzi schemes via his companies, promising fake real estate & FedEx invest
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Steven Hamilton ran a $1.6M Ponzi scam via Verde Retirement LLC, Verde FX Nevada LLC, & Covenant Capital Partners (2007-2011). Charged by SEC in 2012.
SEC charged Steven L. Hamilton and affiliated firms with securities fraud for defrauding 23+ investors of ~$1.6M in Ponzi schemes, misusing funds.
Las Vegas businessman Steven L. Hamilton charged by the SEC for a $1.6M Ponzi scheme, cheating 23+ investors and misusing funds.
Steven Hamilton raised ~$1.6 M from investors with promises of safe, high-yield real estate and project returns, but funds weren’t used as pledged.
Other Red-Flags and Adverse News
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]
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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.
1.5
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2.5
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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Regulators charged Hamilton’s companies including Verde Retirement LLC, Verde FX Nevada LLC, and Covenant Capital Partners with violating federal securities laws by misrepresenting how investor funds would be used, raising serious questions about his compliance history
2/5
Independent profiles carry moderate trust and safety scores, indicating ongoing reputational risk and consumer caution; this suggests that engaging with Hamilton or related entities without enhanced oversight or verification could expose banks, investors, and employees to elevated legal and financial exposure.
1/5
3/5
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