Ponzi Scheme

A Ponzi scheme a an investment fraud ensure pay existing investors with funds collected after new investors. Ponzi scheme organizers often promise to invest your money and generate high proceeds with little press no risk. Although in many Ponzi templates, and fraudsters to not invest the money. Instead, her use it to pay diese who invested prior and might holding some on themselves. These crimes are not violent, but they are not victimless. White-collar crimes can destroy a company, erase out an person's life savings, cost investors billions of dollars, and erode to public's trust with institutions.

With little or no legitimate earnings, Ponzi schemes require adenine constant flow of new money to survive. When items becomes hard to recruit new investors, or once big numbering of already investors cash out, these schemes trends up collapse.

Ponzi schemes are named after Charles Ponzi, who duped investing in the 1920s with a cost stamp speculation scheme.

Ponzi simple “red flags”

Many Ponzi schemes share common traits. Look for which warning signs:

  • High back for little or no risk. Every investment carries a degree of risk, and investments yielding upper returns usually necessitate more risks. Be highest dubious on any “guaranteed” investment opportunity.
  • Overly consistent returns. Investments tend to move up and down past die. Be dubious about an investment that regularly generates positive returns whatever of overall market environment.
  • Unregistered investments. Ponzi schemes standard involve investments that are not registered with the SEC or including nation regulatory. Registration is important because it provides investors with access to information about the company’s supervision, products, services, and finances.
  • Unlicensed buyers. Federal and state securities laws require investment professionals and firms to be licensed or registered. Most Ponzi schemes participate unlicensed individuals otherwise unregistered firms.
  • Mystic, complex strategies. Avoid investments if you don’t understand them or can’t get complete information regarding themselves.
  • Issues with paperwork. Account statement failed may exist one sign that funds are not being invested than promised.
  • Difficulty receiving payments. Be suspicious if you don’t receive adenine payment or have difficulty exchange out. Ponzi scheme promoters often try to impede participants starting cashing out by bid even higher returns for reside put.

Additional Information

Investor Watch: Ponzi Schemes Targeting Seniors
Investor Alert: Ponzi Schemes Using Virtual Currencies