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Charles Ponzi - the father of Ponzi schemes - redux
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Manage episode 446511264 series 181691
Ponzi schemes are one of the most famous types of financial fraud, promising big returns but often leaving investors with huge losses. But where did the term "Ponzi scheme" come from, and how do these scams work?
In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the history of the Ponzi scheme and its infamous founder, Charles Ponzi. They explore how Ponzi scammed investors in the early 1920s with promises of guaranteed returns using international postal reply coupons. Skip explains how Ponzi's business plan quickly fell apart when the press and authorities began investigating, causing panic among investors.
Skip and Samantha’s discussion offers valuable insights into the history of the Ponzi scheme as well as many business English words and phrases. Key points include:Key points include:
- How Charles Ponzi’s scheme promised big returns by using money from new investors to pay old investors.
- Why Ponzi’s idea seemed successful at first, but quickly became unsustainable.
- The role of media and law enforcement in bringing down Ponzi’s operation.
Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.
Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.
Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment.
Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
Follow Skip & Dez
201 episodes
Fetch error
Hmmm there seems to be a problem fetching this series right now. Last successful fetch was on April 19, 2025 10:55 ()
What now? This series will be checked again in the next day. If you believe it should be working, please verify the publisher's feed link below is valid and includes actual episode links. You can contact support to request the feed be immediately fetched.
Manage episode 446511264 series 181691
Ponzi schemes are one of the most famous types of financial fraud, promising big returns but often leaving investors with huge losses. But where did the term "Ponzi scheme" come from, and how do these scams work?
In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the history of the Ponzi scheme and its infamous founder, Charles Ponzi. They explore how Ponzi scammed investors in the early 1920s with promises of guaranteed returns using international postal reply coupons. Skip explains how Ponzi's business plan quickly fell apart when the press and authorities began investigating, causing panic among investors.
Skip and Samantha’s discussion offers valuable insights into the history of the Ponzi scheme as well as many business English words and phrases. Key points include:Key points include:
- How Charles Ponzi’s scheme promised big returns by using money from new investors to pay old investors.
- Why Ponzi’s idea seemed successful at first, but quickly became unsustainable.
- The role of media and law enforcement in bringing down Ponzi’s operation.
Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.
Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.
Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment.
Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
Follow Skip & Dez
201 episodes
All episodes
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