Haba Yousif Lassal Inungu Joe Elian Ponzi scheme Haba Yousif Lassal Inungu Joe Elian

Why you should care… A ponzi scheme can target anyone It is vital to understand what it is and how it works How to avoid it Effect on our economy Government actions toward these scandals

WHAT IS A PONZI SCHEME? Named after Charles Ponzi Also known as a “Pyramid Scheme” It is an investment fraud that promises high returns with little risk.

How a ponzi scheme works B C D E F

How a ponzi scheme fails Usually fails when there are no more investors. Collapses under its own weight Securities and Exchange committee discovers the Ponzi Scheme

IT’S ALL FUN TILL YOU get CAUGHT Madoff pleaded guilty to all eleven felony counts. Sentenced to 150 years in jail. Madoff’s lawyer pleaded for 12 years. The judge was particularly moved by one victim’s statement. Source: http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1 907677,00.html

What about the investors? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f23GM8EZo8I&feature=rela ted They are receiving… Tax breaks Payouts from the Securities Investor Protection Corp. The tax breaks are helping out a lot of victims Victims can recover a good 40% in their losses. However, it is not helping everyone http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704825504574 584310679694216.html

After the Madoff SCANDAL… Legislators and judges are ruling tough sentences on people using a ponzi scheme. James Nicholson was sentenced to 40 years in prison for defrauding investors of $141 million. Royster may be serving up to 10 years and pay a fee of $250,000 in prison for his $2 million ponzi scheme.

A poll shows that 58% do not trust the stock market

How to identify a ponzi scheme High Profit Returns with Little or no Risk Consistent Returns Unlicensed Sellers Unregistered Investments Private and/or Complex Strategies Issues with Paperwork