A Ponzi scheme (or a "Ponzi scam" ) is an investment scam in which early investors are paid returns from funds contributed by later investors, although it has taken on a broader definition in recent years. A Ponzi scheme often conducts no actual business while the orchestrator pockets a cut of the money. The term originated with Charles Ponzi, who orchestrated the first of this type of scam in 1920. Ponzi schemes typically lure in investors by promising high returns with little to no risk. Because initial investors often see high returns at first, early Ponzi schemes often gain investor interest and confidence. Ponzi schemes eventually unravel when the stream of new investor capital slows down enough that investors can't be paid anymore. Ponzi schemes commonly share the following characteristics: A Ponzi scheme is a type of pyramid scheme. All pyramid schemes require new recruits to provide funding, but with a Ponzi scheme, only the orchestrator knows about the scheme. Those in a pyramid scheme recruit knowing it will benefit them, whereas those in a Ponzi scheme may legitimately recommend the opportunity after receiving high returns. The Bernie Madoff scandal was an orchestration of the largest Ponzi scheme which took almost 20 years for the scheme to be revealed, and defrauded investors more than $15 billion.Who Was Charles Ponzi?
What Is a Ponzi Scheme?
Ponzi Scheme vs Pyramid Scheme
Ponzi Scheme FAQs
A Ponzi scheme (or a “Ponzi scam”) is an investment scam in which early investors are paid returns from funds contributed by later investors.
A Ponzi scheme often conducts no actual business while the orchestrator pockets a cut of the money.
Ponzi schemes typically lure in investors by promising high returns with little to no risk.
Ponzi schemes eventually unravel when the stream of new investor capital slows down enough that early investors can’t be paid anymore and get suspicious.
The term originated with Charles Ponzi, who orchestrated the first recognized instance of this type of scam in 1920.
True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.
True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.
To learn more about True, visit his personal website, view his author profile on Amazon, or check out his speaker profile on the CFA Institute website.
