CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — A New Jersey woman has pleaded guilty to wire fraud for running an investment scheme that caused more than $300,000 in losses for victims in West Virginia and elsewhere.
According to a press release from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Diana Mae Fernandez, age 38, a/k/a “Diana Fernandez Copolan,” “Dana Fernandez” and “Dajana Co,” of Bergenfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on Friday.
According to the Department of Justice, Fernandez told his victims he ran investment companies called “The Self Made Success” and “Diana Mae K., LLC,” and that he used social media to solicit investors with promises of “risk-free” and “guaranteed” investment opportunities.
Fernandez used the funds for his own personal gain and made false claims about why he was unable to provide investment returns to his clients, the release said.
One victim, a resident of Marion County, West Virginia, was defrauded out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to the Department of Justice.
“You should always be skeptical of investment opportunities that promise high returns and no risk,” U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld said in a press release. “One way to protect yourself before investing is to use FINRA’s BrokerCheck, a free and valuable tool that allows you to research the background and experience of financial brokers, advisors and firms.”
Fernandez faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
