Trevor Cook: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Trevor Cook’s Profile Summary

Company	Ponzi Scheme
Position	Principal architect and Orchestrator of a large-scale Ponzi scheme
Source of wealth	Cook's wealth was primarily derived from fraudulent investment schemes, misappropriation of investor funds, and personal expenditures financed through illicit gains.
Also known as	Trevor Cook was also known as a radio show host and a commodities trader.
Age	53
Education	Specific details about Trevor Cook's educational background are not publicly available
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Apple Valley, Minnesota, USA (prior to incarceration)
Family	Public records indicate that Trevor Cook was married to Gina Cook.
Website, Social Media	https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-21633

Trevor Cook’s biography

Trevor Cook, born in 1972, is a former investment advisor from Apple Valley, Minnesota. He gained notoriety for orchestrating a Ponzi scheme between 2007 and 2009, which defrauded over 900 investors of approximately $158 million. Cook promoted a foreign currency trading program, promising high returns with minimal risk. Instead, he diverted substantial funds for personal use, including purchasing the historic Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis and covering gambling debts. In 2010, Cook pleaded guilty to mail fraud and tax evasion, resulting in a 25-year federal prison sentence.

How did Trevor Cook make money?

Trevor Cook makes money in the following areas:

Cook's wealth was primarily derived from fraudulent investment schemes, misappropriation of investor funds, and personal expenditures financed through illicit gains.
What is Trevor Cook net worth?

As of 2025, there is no publicly available and reliable information regarding Trevor Cook’s net worth.

What is Trevor Cook also known as?

Cook co-hosted a radio program titled "Follow the Money," where he discussed financial strategies and investments, leveraging this platform to attract potential investors into his schemes. Additionally, he was involved in commodities trading, which he used as a front to lend credibility to his fraudulent investment operations

Prominent achievements of Trevor Cook

Cook's notoriety stems from his conviction and sentencing for orchestrating one of Minnesota's largest Ponzi schemes, resulting in a 25-year federal prison sentence. He was ordered to pay restitution to the defrauded investors

What are Trevor Cook’s key insights?

Trevor Cook's business practices were characterized by fraudulent activities, including deceit and misappropriation of funds. There is no evidence of a legitimate business philosophy or ethical insights in his professional conduct.

Trevor Cook’s personal life

Trevor Cook's wife, Gina Cook, was involved in legal proceedings related to the disposition of their assets following his conviction. There is limited public information regarding other family members or children.

Useful insights

Research and verification

As an expert at Traders Union, I can’t stress enough how critical it is to thoroughly research any financial opportunity before you invest. Taking a few extra steps in verifying the legitimacy of a platform or broker can save you from falling victim to scams.

Verify regulatory status

Before investing, always verify that the broker or platform is registered with reputable regulatory authorities like the SEC (U.S.), FCA (U.K.), or CySEC (Europe). Legitimate companies must be licensed. I personally recommend checking their registration number on the official regulatory websites to ensure you’re dealing with a credible platform.
Check company reputation

Do your due diligence by researching the company’s reputation. Take a look at reviews on trusted platforms and financial forums, and check user experiences on sites like Trustpilot. Unresolved complaints, especially concerning withdrawals, should be a major red flag.
Avoid unregistered sdvisors

Always ensure your financial advisor or investment manager is properly registered with regulatory bodies. Unregistered advisors are much more likely to engage in fraudulent schemes. I suggest cross-referencing their registration and track record through official regulatory websites before trusting them with your money.