Charles Ponzi: The Original Pyramid Scheme

Before Bernie Madoff, before cryptocurrency scams, there was Charles Ponzi—the man who gave his name to one of history's most infamous fraud schemes. In 1920, the Italian immigrant promised investors a 50% return in just 45 days through an elaborate international postal reply coupon scheme. Thousands of people, from working-class immigrants to wealthy Bostonians, handed over their life savings. At its peak, Ponzi was making millions—but the whole operation was built on nothing but lies. When it all came crashing down, investors lost an estimated $20 million (over $250 million today), and Ponzi's name became synonymous with financial fraud. The man, the myth, the scheme that changed fraud forever. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com #TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #CharlesPonzi #PonziScheme #Fraud #WhiteCollarCrime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices