Ponzi schemes have infiltrated everywhere: from digital platforms promising miraculous returns to investment promises endorsed by supposed experts. They exploit the lack of financial education, economic informality, and the cryptocurrency boom to trap thousands of people with offers that sound too good to be true. Cases like CryptoFX, Yox Holding, or the fraud of Roberto Trinidad Del Carpio show that no one is safe, not even those who think they know the subject. This guide explains step by step how to identify these frauds, what to do if you have already been scammed, and how to protect yourself so it doesn't happen again. Because when it comes to money, trust shouldn't be given lightly.
How Ponzi Scams Work
A Ponzi scheme is a scam where returns paid to early investors come from the money brought in by new investors, not from actual profits. At first, everything seems fine because the initial investors receive their supposed benefits, which generates trust. But when the flow of new money stops, the system collapses, and the latest investors lose everything.
These types of frauds have evolved and adopted more sophisticated forms. Today, they masquerade as investment platforms in cryptocurrencies, sports betting, real estate, or financial products that promise unsustainable returns. Some even have a presence on social media, influencers, and even public figures who help validate the scam.
Typical Cycle of a Ponzi Scheme
Initial Promise: Returns between 10% and 100% in weeks or months.
Viral Trust: The initial investors receive real payouts. This causes a chain confidence effect.
Expansion: Recruitment of new investors is encouraged with commissions or bonuses.
Collapse: When no new funds come in, withdrawals are blocked and disappear.
This is how CryptoFX operated, capturing more than 300 million dollars from thousands of Latinos with the promise of absurd returns in cryptocurrency trading.
Recent Cases
These scams are not new, but they have evolved. Today, they use technology, digital marketing, and international structures to appear legitimate. Here are some of the most relevant cases up to 2025:
Notable Scams
CryptoFX (2020–2022): Operated from Houston with victims across borders. It promised up to 100% returns with cryptocurrencies. The SEC dismantled it in 2024. Over 40,000 affected.
Roberto Trinidad Del Carpio (2010–2015): A businessman who collected 14 million USD with promises of investment in futures, currencies, and metals. He was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison in the U.S.
Yox Holding (2022–2023): A company that offered gains of up to 30% monthly through investments in sports and crypto trading. It ceased operations leaving millions in losses. Still under investigation.
Local Crypto Schemes (2022–2024): Nameless platforms promising daily returns in urban areas. They operated without regulation, many disappeared without a trace.
These cases reflect how scams have evolved with digital tools. Regulatory bodies have issued alerts, but there is still a lack of control over crypto-assets and unregulated fintech.
How to Prevent and Act Against Ponzi Schemes
Protecting yourself from a Ponzi scheme involves being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true and always verifying the legality of the platform. Although legislation has made strides in regulation, many scams operate under the radar.
Tips to Avoid Falling Victim
Be skeptical of very high returns: No serious investment offers 20% or more monthly without risks.
Verify registration: Check if the company is authorized to collect funds or manage investments.
Review contracts: If there are no formal documents or legal backing, it's a red flag.
Don't follow influencers: Just because someone famous endorses it doesn't guarantee safety.
Seek professional advice: An accountant, lawyer, or financial advisor can help you assess the investment.
Already Invested? Here's What You Can Do
Don't invest more money: Avoid the "snowball effect" thinking you'll recover something.
Keep evidence: Receipts, captures, conversations, and names can be useful for reporting.
Report: Approach the appropriate authorities or alert through media.
Share your experience: Others may avoid falling victim if you speak up. Don't be embarrassed, you were the victim of a crime.
In places where informality is part of daily life, the best weapon is information. Don't put your money in just anyone's hands. Protect your efforts, your time, and your future.
