The Ponzi Scheme Puzzle: A History and Analysis of Con Artists and Victims
"A financial thriller, a masterly page-turning inquiry into tragi-comic gullibility and greed, of Ponzi victims and perpetrators alike. The belief in market rationality (another confidence trick?) and the rocketing returns of finance, induced clever people to forget that there was no free lunch."--Avner Offer, Chichele Professor Emeritus of Economic History, University of Oxford"Professor Frankel's book is a must read for anyone considering investment opportunities as well as those who provide investment advice and those charged with preventing investment fraud. Professor Frankel provides a captivating exploration of the characteristics of con artists who perpetrate Ponzi schemes along with the characteristics of those who fall victim to such schemes. But more importantly, she highlights how and why such schemes so successfully defraud everyone from the novice investor to those considered financially sophisticated, all while providing a provocative analysis regarding how best to ensure that we do not become the next Ponzi scheme victim."--Lisa M. Fairfax, Leroy Sorenson Merrifield Research Professor of Law, The George Washington University Law School"Professor Tamar Frankel's book is a fascinating look at the world of con artists. How do con artists hide their scams-scams that often seem so obvious after the fact? Who do they scam? And why don't investors ever seem to learn? Throughout her investigations of these questions, she introduces a colorful cast of characters from today and yesterday. The book is a terrific read whether one is interested in human psychology or just wants to learn more about an irresistible, limited-time-only investment in 'gold-backed railroad bonds.'"--Allen Ferrell, Greenfield Professor of Securities Law, Harvard Law School"Clearly written with extensive documentation (30-plus pages of endnotes), this timely book with interest those concerned with behavioral finance and criminal psychology. Recommended"--CHOICE