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

Written by Ben Carlson

Narrated by Graham Rowat

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.



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 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ascent Audio
• Release date: Feb 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781469078076

Reviews for Don't Fall For It

[Anthony Yap · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this book/ audiobook. It's probably one of the best audiobook that I've heard- though they are still relatively few. I find it exhilarating. Although I feel bad for the victims, I cannot likewise help but feel some astonishment on how these con men were to pull it through. I think it takes a lot of guts and perhaps a high degree of intellect. This audiobook reminds me of the books Boom and Bust and Influence - written very nicely and rolled into one!

[bryan watson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great collection of stories tied together with key points at the end