About

About Report Ponzi

Report Ponzi exists to help people understand Ponzi schemes and report them to the authorities who can act.

Why this site exists

Most people who end up in a Ponzi scheme never thought of themselves as targets. They trusted a friend, a community leader, or a statement that looked professional. When doubts set in, they often don't know what to look for, what to do with their account, or which of several government agencies to contact.

This site puts that information in one place, in plain language: how Ponzi schemes work, the sales tactics they use, what to do if you think you've invested in one, and where to report it.

What Report Ponzi is, and isn't

• It's an independent information website.
• It isn't a government agency, a law firm, or an investment adviser, and nothing here is legal, tax, or investment advice.
• It isn't affiliated with the SEC, CFTC, FBI, FINRA, FTC, any state regulator, or any other website or organization.
• It doesn't sell investments, recovery services, or anything else to people who've lost money.
• It can't investigate a scheme, freeze accounts, or recover funds. Only regulators, law enforcement, and the courts can do that, which is why this site points you to them.

How the content is prepared

Descriptions of laws, programs, and historical cases are based on public sources: court records, Justice Department and SEC releases, regulator guidance, and reputable reporting. Each page lists its sources at the bottom and shows when it was last reviewed.

Example pitches and statements on this site are fictional and labeled that way. They were written to illustrate common tactics and don't describe real people or companies.

Corrections

Rules, agency names, and programs change. If you spot something that's out of date or wrong, please let us know through the contact form. Corrections are reviewed and the page's review date is updated when a change is made.