Commodity Pools Commodity pool operators are persons or firms that raise funds and pool them together to trade commodity futures and options. Most fraudulent commodity pools involve unregistered operators. Many commodity pool operators advertise and solicit investors based on false claims of high profits and low risk. In fraudulent commodity pools, the funds are often misused and spent on improper expenses. signs oF a Possible Fraudulent sales PitCh Leading you to believe you can profit from current news already known to the public. “As a result of that hurricane, the price of oil futures will increase substantially.” Ask how the product meets your financial needs. Made through word of mouth referrals or emails from friends, relatives, members of churches or social groups—one fraudulent pool operator even solicited his cancer support group. Claiming to know unique market trends or to have a record of highly profitable trading. Promising quick, large and guaranteed returns. Contacting you asking for personal information such as your full name, phone number, email or home address. B Requesting cash immediately. 43909_CommodityPool.indd 2 2/12/13 1:08 PM .