Fake TD Ameritrade Advisor Stole $655,000 from 64 Investors

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A North Carolina man, Hunter Haithcock, was sentenced to 3½ years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and investment advisor fraud. Between 2019 and 2022 — when he was still a teenager and young adult — Haithcock impersonated a real registered investment advisor at TD Ameritrade, using that advisor's name and CRD number (a unique registration identifier), and promised victims returns of 100% to 200%. He stole at least $655,498 from at least 64 investors, sending them fabricated weekly portfolio statements and fake trade reports while spending their money on personal expenses and cryptocurrency.

Haithcock found victims through word-of-mouth referrals and a local church — a reminder that scammers exploit trusted community networks. He claimed investors' principal was fully protected from market losses, which persuaded some people to invest tens of thousands of dollars. When investors asked for their money back, he made excuses and eventually stopped responding. Readers can verify whether any advisor they're considering is genuinely registered at BrokerCheck (run by FINRA) using the advisor's CRD number. Haithcock was also charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission and must pay $655,498.93 in restitution and forfeiture.