Link: The Remarkable Criminal Financial Career of Charles K Ponzi, Copyright © 1993, 2014 Mark C. Knutson (PDF)

I commend you to the results of my research into the 1920’s Swindler Charles Ponzi. I began this out of curiosity, looking in the case name reference in the Hennepin County Law Library, and learned that Mr. Ponzi was a frequent guest in the pages of appellate case reports in various federal and state jurisdictions. I also filed a Federal Freedom of Information request and received information about Ponzi’s adventures with the Immigration and Naturalization service.

I welcome suggestions and corrections about my Ponzi essay are welcome and often incorporate them into the document. Thanks to folks for all of the positive comments, and those few corrections.

I have had a number of requests from academic types, and other authors, asking permission to include this in course materials, which I routinely grant as long as they credit my authorship. I reserve all rights, and my permission is required to reprint, quote, or distribute this essay.

I get a lot of questions from people who are wondering if some investment is a Ponzi scheme. Sorry, but I have only taken the time to research Charles Ponzi; I don’t make pronouncements on other schemes. I do hope that reading about this one Ponzi Scheme helps people to be skeptical and use their own judgement when they think an investment or sales scheme may not have a sound financial foundation.

Another common question is “do I have a Ponzi coupon?” Regrettably, I do not. If anybody does, I would love to discuss buying it or getting a copy.