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Bitcoin Ponzi scheme

ponzi.io

131–140 of 306 posts

Re: Bitcoin Ponzi scheme

#131
To be technical, there are multiple inaccuracies in "Get 120% back when the next person sends".

First, as per the central problem of Ponzi schemes, it is missing an "... if ever" at the end.

But further, it is oversimplified, because people can submit different amounts of bitcoins. Covering up that uncertainty -- which while apparent is not as clearly disclosed as the "Ponzi" aspect -- makes it harder for people to assess the likelihood they will get the promised return.

Re: Bitcoin Ponzi scheme

#133
post #26
post #2

I will add, since this hit the frontpage: nobody post any big money there . It's a Ponzi scheme. It says so in the title.

Ponzi scheme is ok if you are in at the beginning of the scheme. That's what makes this interesting - it's basically a bet that other people will also believe this will go on.

Ponzi schemes aren't OK. They're a form of theft, both immoral and illegal.

Re: Bitcoin Ponzi scheme

#134

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yeah IMHO it walks the line between ponzi and pyramid scheme, so you'll either have the SEC or FTC coming after you. e.g. FTC has been hassling MLM schemes for years and they argue the differentiator is the fact that there's a product involved, but this clearly does not have a product, so best case the FTC shuts it down, worst case the interested agencies will include FTC, SEC, U.S. postal service and local and state…

If you've been following what's actually gone on in the Bitcoin world for any length of time, you'd know that "BTC investors" aren't "more sophisticated" - they tend to be less so. For one example, take a look at the people in the community who claim BTC exchanges are unregulated, and who "invest" in "stock markets" in BTC and the like: Just because you're not following the law or regulation doesn't mean you're not s…

>If you've been following what's actually gone on in the Bitcoin world for any length of time, you'd know that "BTC investors" aren't "more sophisticated" - they tend to be less so.

Part of this is Bitcoin self-selects against those with a rigorous understanding of monetary economics, capital markets, and foreign exchange.

Re: Bitcoin Ponzi scheme

#135

To be technical, there are multiple inaccuracies in "Get 120% back when the next person sends". First, as per the central problem of Ponzi schemes, it is missing an "... if ever" at the end. But further, it is oversimplified, because people can submit different amounts of bitcoins. Covering up that uncertainty -- which while apparent is not as clearly disclosed as the "Ponzi" aspect -- makes it harder for people to a…

I think "when" is perfectly precise, and includes the "... if ever" meaning.

Re: Bitcoin Ponzi scheme

#136
post #27

How much does creator make?

The creator makes what's leftover in the end of non-payouts whenever he decides to pull the plug.

Why would there be any leftover? If creator isn't flat out stealing (which is a possibility, but obviously illegal and risks penalty), all payins would go to payouts.

Re: Bitcoin Ponzi scheme

#138

To be technical, there are multiple inaccuracies in "Get 120% back when the next person sends". First, as per the central problem of Ponzi schemes, it is missing an "... if ever" at the end. But further, it is oversimplified, because people can submit different amounts of bitcoins. Covering up that uncertainty -- which while apparent is not as clearly disclosed as the "Ponzi" aspect -- makes it harder for people to a…

I think the completely honest thing to do would be to show another number (total sent * multiplier), explaining that if you send now, you will get the amount back when the total counter reaches that amount.

Re: Bitcoin Ponzi scheme

#139
post #129

It is either a scam or very poorly coded. I've seen one transaction in the blockchain for 7BTC from yesterday that hasn't been paid. But, people sending 0.01BTC today are being paid. Any proper Ponzi scheme would pay back in time order, not by order of value.

I found this at https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=447831.80: "Actually, I set it up to prioritize the small transactions. The 1 BTC depositor will have to wait a while, and everyone else will get paid out as soon as their transaction confirms (this makes sense since the 1 BTC guy is making more money anyway)." Clearly doesn't understand the concept.
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