A Ponzi scheme is an illegal investment scheme that uses the investments of some participants to pay bogus investment returns to other participants.

A Ponzi scheme is an illegal investment campaign in which fraudsters recruit naïve investors under the premise that they will receive huge returns quickly. The schemers fabricate marketing plans, generally with technical jargon unfamiliar to potential investors, and as more investors participate in the seemingly legitimate plan, their money goes to pay early investors rather than actually being invested. In a Ponzi scheme the fraudster interacts with all participants and uses one participant's investment to pay returns to others.

Ponzi schemes are named after Charles Ponzi, a 1920s fraudster. The Italian moved to the U.S. and tricked New Englanders into investing in a stamp scheme, telling them he would buy stamps in Italy and sell them in the U.S. for a higher value. After about $15 million were invested, Ponzi had only purchased about $30 worth of stamps. He simply used new investors' money to payout early investors. He had a mansion and lived luxuriously, drawing attention to himself, which resulted in the public's interest. Ultimately, he was investigated, his public relations agent denounced him in The Post and he was arrested. Ponzi, however, did not invent the scheme; it is named after him because his case was the first well-known case in the U.S.

Modern Ponzi Schemes

Bernard Madoff, Tom Petters and Nicholas Cosmo are modern day Ponzi schemers. Like Charles Ponzi, they duped investors, tricking them into investing in what was really investment fraud.

Bernard Madoff Ponzi Scheme

Bernard Madoff controlled over 25 funds and handled approximately $17 billion. After his arrest, it was reported that his losses are estimated at $50 billion. Madoff faces 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine for what is likely the largest Ponzi scheme in Wall Street history. (Read more about the Madoff Investor Fraud.)

Tom Petters Ponzi Scheme

Tom Petters faces 20 counts of mail and wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy, for a Ponzi scheme he allegedly ran for over a decade. The Minnesota businessman convinced naïve investors that his company was buying electronics and selling them to large chain stores for a profit. However, these transactions were not taking place, instead, Petters Co. was producing fake purchase orders and keeping the investment money for itself and for Petters himself. Unlike the Madoff bust, Petters was not caught by investors requesting returns, but was turned in by his vice president of operations, Deanna Coleman. She went to the authorities, agreed to help with the investigation and was, subsequently, offered a plea bargain. In addition to Petters, Robert Dean White and others who collaborated in the scheme have also been charged.

Nicholas Cosmo Ponzi Scheme

Nicholas Cosmo, a former stockbroker and felon, served 21 months in prison for misappropriation of funds from 1998-2000. His website, however, claims his company Agape World Inc. has been a "private bridge lender" since 1999, months before he was released from prison. This "typo" and his January 26th arrest for $370 million worth of mail fraud add up to no good. Cosmo promised investors enormous returns from 48% to 80% per year and actually invested only about $10 million of investors' money. Investigators' reports show that only $764,000 of the $370 million remains in Agape accounts and explains most of it was used to pay early investors. Although reports do not official name Cosmo as a Ponzi schemer, he surely looks like one.

Contact an Investment Fraud Attorney

If you have incurred a serious financial loss as a result of investing in a Ponzi scheme or other fraudulent investment, you have rights. You may be entitled to recover losses from those responsible.

Contact an investment fraud attorney to learn more about your options by completing the form at the right or calling toll-free (866)222-2606.

The experienced attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP aggressively represent our clients and can help you in litigation or arbitration of investment fraud claims.