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Jun 23, 2009 -- R. Allen Stanford accused of $7 billion Ponzi scheme

Several months ago, Clark told you about R. Allen Stanford, a Texas businessman who allegedly stole $7 billion through the sale of off-shore CDs. These CDs were supposed to be ultra-safe and have higher returns than you could get elsewhere.

The money that people handed over to Stanford supposedly went into island accounts, like those at his self-operated Bank of Antigua. But the allegations are that it really just went into his pocket as part of a Ponzi scheme, according to The Wall Street Journal.

So far the feds have pinned $1.6 billion on Stanford himself. $1.1 billion is "completely unaccounted for," while another $5 billion has been "lost," according to the Justice Department.

And, remember, we're talking about a guy who had a fleet of jets. Not a single jet, a fleet!

Here's all you need to know: If you ever get a pitch about super-safe off-shore CDs, the odds are it's not gonna end well -- even if it is a legit opportunity.

The interest rate you're promised may get eaten up with currency fluctuations; the bank may go insolvent, in which case there's no FDIC to help out; or the promises could constitute an outright scam!

So be careful out there whenever you're promised higher rates than the market generally bears.

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What others are saying

  • State run ponzi
    Why does no one complain about the state run ponzi scheme called the lottery? They only pay out to less than 5% of the participants
  • ponzi scheme 2
    Bring back the death penalty. In todays economy people caught stealing from others should just be shot.Our laws will never deter anyone from trying this again. People work hard for their money and want all the things we see from the rich and famous. There always seems to be ways to improve your financial situation , but most of them are scams. Sad thing is, as the economy worsens and people get more desperate, this will make it easier for the scamers of the world.
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