
The Original Ponzi Scheme
From History Dispatches by Matt and McKinley Breen
April 22, 2026 · 21 min · Season 2 · Episode 138
About this episode
This episode explores the story of Charles Ponzi and the original Ponzi scheme, one of the largest scams in history.
It takes a special art to get something named after you, positive or negative. Such is the case with the Ponzi scheme - one of the largest and most successful scams of all time. Charles Ponzi orchestrated this scam in the early 1920s, suckering thousands of people, and swindling $20 million. This is the story of the original Ponzi scheme. Sponsor Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. Sources https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/law/ponzi-schemes https://www.deanmead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Substantive-Consolidation-Issues-Arising-in-Ponzi-Scheme-Bankruptcy-Cases.pdf https://postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibition/behind-the-badge-case-histories-scams-and-schemes/ponzi-scheme Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ponzi1920.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Hosts: Matt Breen, McKinley Breen
Topics covered
- Ponzi scheme
- scams
- history
- Charles Ponzi
- financial fraud
Keywords
- Ponzi scheme
- Charles Ponzi
- scam
- financial fraud
- 1920s
- history
Sponsors
Factor
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Airwave Media Network
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