Don't Fall For It: A Short History of Financial Scams - Hardcover

Carlson, Ben

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1119605164 ISBN 13: 9781119605164

Publisher: Wiley, 2020

Synopsis

Learn financial and business lessons from some of the biggest frauds in history

Why does financial fraud persist? History is full of sensational financial frauds and scams. Enron was forced to declare bankruptcy after allegations of massive accounting fraud, wiping out $78 billion in stock market value. Bernie Madoff, the largest individual fraudster in history, built a $65 billion Ponzi scheme that ultimately resulted in his being sentenced to 150 years in prison. People from all walks of life have been scammed out of their money: French and British nobility looking to get rich quickly, farmers looking for a miracle cure for their health ailments, several professional athletes, and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. No one is immune from getting deceived when money is involved. Don’t Fall For It is a fascinating look into some of the biggest financial frauds and scams ever.

This compelling book explores specific instances of financial fraud as well as some of the most successful charlatans and hucksters of all-time. Sharing lessons that apply to business, money management, and investing, author Ben Carlson answers questions such as: Why do even the most intelligent among us get taken advantage of in financial scams? What make fraudsters successful? Why is it often harder to stay rich than to get rich? Each chapter in examines different frauds, perpetrators, or victims of scams. These real-life stories include anecdotes about how these frauds were carried out and discussions of what can be learned from these events. This engaging book:

• Explores the business and financial lessons drawn from some of history’s biggest frauds
• Describes the conditions under which fraud tends to work best
• Explains how people can avoid being scammed out of their money
• Suggests practical steps to reduce financial fraud in the future

Don’t Fall For It: A Short History of Financial Scams is filled with engrossing real-life stories and valuable insights, written for finance professionals, investors, and general interest readers alike.

About this title

About the Author

BEN CARLSON is the Director of Institutional Asset Management at Ritholtz Wealth Management. He has spent his career helping various nonprofit, institutional, and high-net-worth clients plan and invest their money wisely. Ben is the creator of a popular financial blog and podcast and is the author of several books including A Wealth of Common Sense: Why Simplicity Trumps Complexity in Any Investment Plan and Organizational Alpha: How to Add Value in Institutional Asset Management.

From the Back Cover

We have all heard stories of people turning their money over to fraudsters in hopes of making some quick cash. How many times have you rolled your eyes upon hearing about someone falling for the ‘Nigerian Prince’ scam or the latest version of the classic ‘Pyramid’ scheme? You may think that you would never be so gullible, but the truth is we all make mistakes with our finances. You may never get roped into a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme, but it’s likely that, at some point, you may be tempted by the promise of easy money. Maybe the prospect of improved health or a new romance may tempt you. Fraudsters, con artists, and charlatans are everywhere―and they know just how to draw you in. They prey on fear, greed, vulnerability, and desperation.

And many of them are extremely successful, right up until the time they get caught. Don’t Fall for It: A Short History of Financial Scams explores some of the most sensational frauds and fraudsters in history. The goal of this book is twofold: to entertain and educate you about the world of financial scams and, more importantly, to help you make better decisions and avoid making harmful financial mistakes. Most business and finance books claim to provide the secret to success, but don’t mention the importance of avoiding failures. There is much more to learn from frauds, hucksters, and scams because they show you what not to do.

This engaging book examines the most scandalous instances of financial fraud and shows you some of the individuals who got away with it for years. Each chapter examines different frauds, perpetrators, or victims of scams. These engrossing, real-life stories include discussions of how these frauds were carried out and insights on spotting the six warning signs of fraud before you become a victim.

Fraud can happen anywhere, to anyone. It’s easy to think of fraud victims as unsophisticated and easy to fool, yet some of the biggest frauds in history were perpetrated against wealthy, business-savvy individuals. Financial fraud is never going to disappear. For as long as money exists, there will be people trying to cheat you out of it. Don’t Fall for It will help you avoid being one of their victims.

From the Inside Flap

We have all heard stories of people turning their money over to fraudsters in hopes of making some quick cash. How many times have you rolled your eyes upon hearing about someone falling for the 'Nigerian Prince' scam or the latest version of the classic 'Pyramid' scheme? You may think that you would never be so gullible, but the truth is we all make mistakes with our finances. You may never get roped into a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme, but it's likely that, at some point, you may be tempted by the promise of easy money. Maybe the prospect of improved health or a new romance may tempt you. Fraudsters, con artists, and charlatans are everywhere and they know just how to draw you in. They prey on fear, greed, vulnerability, and desperation.

And many of them are extremely successful, right up until the time they get caught. Don't Fall for It: A Short History of Financial Scams explores some of the most sensational frauds and fraudsters in history. The goal of this book is twofold: to entertain and educate you about the world of financial scams and, more importantly, to help you make better decisions and avoid making harmful financial mistakes. Most business and finance books claim to provide the secret to success, but don't mention the importance of avoiding failures. There is much more to learn from frauds, hucksters, and scams because they show you what not to do.

This engaging book examines the most scandalous instances of financial fraud and shows you some of the individuals who got away with it for years. Each chapter examines different frauds, perpetrators, or victims of scams. These engrossing, real-life stories include discussions of how these frauds were carried out and insights on spotting the six warning signs of fraud before you become a victim.

Fraud can happen anywhere, to anyone. It's easy to think of fraud victims as unsophisticated and easy to fool, yet some of the biggest frauds in history were perpetrated against wealthy, business-savvy individuals. Financial fraud is never going to disappear. For as long as money exists, there will be people trying to cheat you out of it. Don't Fall for It will help you avoid being one of their victims.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1119605164
• ISBN 13: 9781119605164
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192