A Promise of “1–2% Daily Returns”

Travis Ford, the co-founder and CEO of Wolf Capital Crypto Trading LLC, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison in federal prison for operating a $9.4 million crypto investment scheme that defrauded nearly 2,800 investors, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on November 14.

According to prosecutors, Ford spent the first eight months of 2023 aggressively promoting Wolf Capital as a high-performance crypto trading outfit capable of generating 1–2% returns per day — the equivalent of 547% annually. Through his website, social media channels, and targeted online promotion, Ford marketed himself as a seasoned trader who could consistently deliver these outsized profits.

Court filings, however, paint a different picture. Wolf Capital was not only failing to generate the advertised returns — it was losing investor funds. Prosecutors say Ford knew the promised profits were impossible but continued promoting them while quietly diverting investor deposits for personal benefit.

Ford pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, admitting he misled investors and mismanaged their funds. On top of his five-year sentence, he was also ordered to pay $1 million in forfeiture and $170,000 in restitution, marking a significant financial penalty in addition to prison time.

The Department of Justice noted that the case reflects its ongoing effort to crack down on fraudulent crypto investment schemes — particularly those preying on retail investors with unrealistic claims about daily trading profits and algorithmic returns.

A Warning for Retail Investors

The Wolf Capital case illustrates the persistent risks facing retail crypto investors, especially in corners of the market where hype and aggressive marketing often outpace due diligence. Ford’s claims of near-guaranteed daily returns — a common red flag in crypto-related scams — ultimately ended in substantial losses for investors who believed his assertions.

Although such cases raise concerns about investor protection, broader crypto markets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have historically shown resilience in the face of isolated fraud incidents. Still, regulators warn that the growing sophistication of online marketing, coupled with the rapid expansion of digital-asset platforms, continues to create fertile ground for fraudulent schemes.

Ford’s sentencing underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and investor education as digital-asset markets mature. Authorities say they remain committed to pursuing individuals who mislead the public under the guise of crypto innovation.