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What is a Ponzi Scheme? Definition and Examples

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Understanding the Meaning of Ponzi Scheme

A Ponzi scheme is a type of investment fraud where investors are lured into investing a significant amount with a promise of high returns either with little risk or none at all. The money taken from investors is not invested in any fund rather, scammers use the invested amount to pay profits to early investors. This keeps going on in a cycle and is therefore considered a type of pyramid scheme. 

Additionally Read: 7 Online Scams That You Should Beware of

How Do Ponzi Schemes Work?

Promoters get investors to put money into their businesses by making great promises of quick riches. The money that was raised isn't going to be used to make any significant investments. Instead, new money is used to pay off investors who have been there for a while. These payments make consumers believe the program is real, which makes them want to put more money into it or tell their friends and family about it. To build trust, promoters generally target small groups or communities.

An illustrative example: Mr. A puts ₹1,000 into a Ponzi scam. Shortly after, Mr. B puts in ₹1,000. The fraudster takes the rest of Mr. B's money and gives Mr. A ₹1,500. As this cycle repeats with thousands of investors, the scam grows until it collapses.

Real-Life Example of Ponzi Scheme

One of the most notorious Ponzi schemes in India was the Saradha Group scam. The company promised big profits on chit funds, attracting millions of investors, many from middle-class and less-developed areas. It used new investors' money to pay back old investors. Eventually, the scheme collapsed, leaving thousands without their investments and little legal recourse.

Origins of the Ponzi Scheme

The term 'Ponzi scheme' comes from Charles Ponzi, who in the early 1900s promised huge profits by exploiting postal coupons. He paid early investors using funds from new investors, offering returns as high as 50% in 90 days. His scheme collapsed when new investments stopped, landing him in jail. Despite the collapse, the term Ponzi scheme remains synonymous with this type of fraud.

Different Warning Signs of a Ponzi Scheme

  • High returns with little or no risk: Legitimate investments always carry some risk.
  • Consistently high returns regardless of market swings.
  • Unregistered investments not linked to regulated platforms.
  • Unlicensed sellers without SEBI or relevant regulatory approval.
  • Secretive investment strategies lacking transparency.
  • Problems with documentation or paperwork.
  • Delays in payments or withdrawals indicating financial trouble.

What Should You Do If You Have Been Scammed by a Ponzi Scheme

  • Stop making further payments or investments immediately.
  • Document all transactions and communications related to the scheme.
  • Report the scam to the appropriate authorities with the gathered evidence.
  • Stay vigilant against identity theft and protect personal information.
  • Avoid intermediaries claiming to assist with scam recovery unless they are government-authorized.

Difference Between Ponzi Scheme & Pyramid Scheme

FeaturePonzi SchemePyramid Scheme
LeadershipUsually controlled by a single individual.Operates through multiple participants recruiting new members.
How it WorksPromises returns and pays old investors with money from new investors without actual investments.Participants earn money primarily by recruiting new members who invest money.
ExampleBernie Madoff scam in the US.No single famous example; often small-scale scams or multi-level recruitment schemes.
SustainabilityCollapses when new money stops coming in.Crumbles when recruitment slows, leaving people at the bottom with losses.
DependencyDepends on continuous inflow of funds from new investors.Depends on continuous recruitment of new members.
ReturnsReturns are fabricated; no real investment occurs.Returns come from fees or investments of recruited members.
VictimsMainly the investors who joined earlier or later.Mainly the members at the lower levels of the pyramid.

Conclusion

A Ponzi scheme is a type of fraud that looks like an investment. Despite numerous warnings, many still fall for promises of quick high returns. Awareness is the best defense. Knowing the warning signs and accepting that no investment is without risk reduces your chance of being scammed. Stay watchful, sceptical, and respect the risks involved.

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