Mark Colin Ramsey, Investment Fraud Scheme, NC 2020

Graham, N.C. resident Mark Colin Ramsey, 50, was sentenced to 65 months in federal prison Thursday, August 13, 2020, for running a $1.1 million investment fraud scheme that preyed on more than 20 victims, many of them nearing retirement. U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray confirmed the sentence, which also includes three years of supervised release and $1,098,333.92 in restitution ordered by U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger.

Ramsey, who operated under the names of fake investment firms including Hypertrend, Cascade Investments, GH Gardner, Layton-McCall, Pandrox, and Good Living, falsely promised investors their principal was safe and guaranteed high returns. From April 2008 to September 2013, he used fabricated documents—phoney Form-1099s, forged investment agreements, and fake stock certificates—to sell the illusion of legitimacy. He even displayed documents claiming he turned $10,000 into $1 million, a tale designed to lure in trusting victims.

Court records show Ramsey was never registered to sell securities in North Carolina, nor were any of the investment vehicles he offered. He concealed these facts from victims who believed they were making sound financial decisions. Instead of investing their money, Ramsey funneled it to earlier investors in classic Ponzi fashion and used substantial portions to finance his personal lifestyle—luxuries built on the financial ruin of others.

On August 26, 2019, Ramsey pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud. The investigation was led by the Securities Division of the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, with support from federal prosecutors. North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall joined Murray in announcing the outcome, underscoring the state’s commitment to holding financial predators accountable.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bradley, based in Asheville, handled the prosecution. The case exposed how long-running financial scams exploit trust, especially among older adults who are saving for retirement. Ramsey’s use of multiple shell companies and falsified documents illustrates the elaborate lengths fraudsters go to mask their crimes.

The Western District of North Carolina launched its Elder Justice Initiative in March 2019, aimed at combating scams targeting seniors. This case exemplifies the type of financial predation the initiative seeks to dismantle—predators like Mark Colin Ramsey who weaponize trust for profit. For more on elder fraud prevention, visit the initiative’s page at /usao-wdnc/elder-justice-initiative.