Abstract:Even with all the warnings out there, many people still fall for Ponzi schemes. Some even fall for them more than once. Why do people keep falling for the same trap?
Even with all the warnings out there, many people still fall for Ponzi schemes. Some even fall for them more than once. These scams promise high returns with little or no risk. But in reality, they pay early investors using money from new ones, and eventually collapse, leaving many with huge losses.
So, why do people keep falling for the same trap?
Chasing Hope After a Loss
After losing money, many people feel desperate to recover it. When a new “opportunity” appears, it can feel like a way to fix everything. It is not just about getting back the money, but also their pride. Scammers know this. They offer exactly what people want to hear: a second chance, quick profits, and a better future.
Feeling Overconfident
People who‘ve been scammed before often believe it won’t happen again. They think they‘ve learned their lesson. But this overconfidence can be dangerous. Scams are always changing. Scammers become smarter and more convincing. If you’re too sure of yourself, you might miss the warning signs again.
Surrounding Yourself with the Wrong Crowd
Many scam victims are part of online groups or communities where everyone talks about how much money they‘re making. These places make it hard to see the truth. When everyone seems to agree it’s a good deal, it becomes easy to believe. Your brain will start ignoring anything that says otherwise, and this is called confirmation bias.
Staying Silent Out of Shame
A lot of people never tell anyone they‘ve been scammed. They feel embarrassed or afraid of being judged. But silence makes it easier to be scammed again. Talking about what happened, even just with one person, could effectively help you learn and stay alert. You’re not alone, and theres no shame in being tricked.
The Fear of Missing Out
Modern Ponzi schemes look very different today. They may use fancy websites, social media ads, and even cryptocurrency. They make you feel like you‘ll miss a great chance if you don’t act fast. This “fear of missing out,” or FOMO, is a powerful albeit costly trap.
How to Avoid Being Scammed Again
Conducting due diligence before investing is crucial, and independent verification tools such as WikiFX can be instrumental in assessing the legitimacy of brokers and investment firms. The WikiFX mobile application, available on Google Play and the App Store, provides comprehensive insights into brokers regulatory status, customer reviews, and safety ratings. By leveraging such resources, investors can make informed decisions and avoid the financial devastation caused by fraudulent schemes.
Most importantly, don‘t blame yourself. Falling for a scam doesn’t mean you‘re foolish, it means you’re human. But learning from it can save you from losing even more in the future.
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A Brazilian man, Douver T. Braga, faces charges in a $290 million Ponzi scheme involving 126,000 investors, using Bitcoin in a fraudulent Trade Coin Club platform.
Scam syndicates are now exploiting fake online investment schemes, defrauding victims of millions within just three days. According to 2024 police data, online fraud cases surged by 29%, with losses exceeding RM1.57 billion. Non-existent investment scams alone saw an 80% increase, costing victims RM848.62 million.