
Ponzi schemes
Ponzi schemes are white-collar investment frauds. These types of crimes are often detailed in the media (for example, the recent Bernie Madoff case). The easiest example is when an investment supervisor takes cash from new investors to compensate older investors. This is done instead of compensating older investment returns with profits that were truly earned by the company. This creates a vicious cycle of money flow.
The fraud is named after Charles Ponzi of Boston, Massachusetts. In the early 1900s, Ponzi initiated a system that guaranteed investors a 50 percent profit on investments. Ponzi paid back initial investors; however, the overall plan fell apart when he was unable to repay subsequent backers.
Many investors fail to discover that they have been a victim of a scheme because they continue to receive returns. This type of federal criminal activity often involves several players. However, in the end, the plan breaks down when the main operator flees with all of money collected from investors or when no more new investors can be found to perpetuate the continued payment of fake dividends.
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Mark Bederow came to the rescue on the worst day of my life. He represented me after a manic episode in 2016 during which I'd been violent. (At the time I was untreated and unmedicated for bipolar 1. I wrote a book about my very fortunate journey to acceptance and better health called BURN RATE: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind, published 2022.) Under Mark's care, the case was ultimately dismissed and expunged. Forever grateful to Mark for shining light during the darkest days of my life. He is a wonderful human being and an outstanding attorney, and it is a privilege that I was able to work with him. I feel lucky, and I wish Mark's services for anyone dealing with anything, including a mental health issue that becomes a criminal matter.- A.D.
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As a retired attorney I only have good things to say about this criminal law specialist. Unfortunately for those of us who live in Florida he works in New York State- A.Z.
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We have dealt with many lawyers in the past several years and 99% of them want the most amount of money to do the least amount of work. Mark Bederow is not your typical lawyer. He’s the only lawyer I’ve ever met that actually listens to his client’s suggestions and utilizes their input, and if he doesn’t he explains why. I’ve never met a lawyer as intelligent, passionate about winning, and completely in his client’s corner. Mark Bederow is brilliant, he is a champion of justice, and his love for the law is evident as he relentlessly fights for his clients. He is definitely the best criminal lawyer in NYC, and quite possibly NY State.- A.F.
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After over a decade of battling government corruption in NY State, I was introduced to Mark Bederow. Since retaining Mark, who's expertise is finding justice for those abused by the legal system, I have made giant steps toward obtaining justice and getting my life back.- K.C.
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