Some days looks like a curse day, I wanted to keep it to myself but I felt it more reasonable to share. I involved in some business investment which initially the promise was really good after week of deal, I just back from work, I saw a call from my colleague we did the business together and I call back to hear him crying on phone. That the business we involved into is fake and the office is close, the MD has disappeared, for two minutes I was shivering with sweat because that's the highest amount I have involved business so far.
This is a sad story, so sorry about this. Apparently, it seems the OP and their friend didn't pay attention to details- there is obviously several tactics
1 used by Ponzi schemes to pick their victims. They are purely psychological and you wouldn't know until you can't recover your initial deposit.
Trick 1 - Phantom Riches: We will make you become a millionaire and multimillionaire in 3 months and we will fly you to the best resort in Dubai for vacation with senior members - so they say.
Trick 2 - The “Source Credibility” Tactic: You will see famous people and celebrities promoting it and then you think to yourself it this scheme is legit because this public figure has endorsed it.
Trick 3 - The “Social Consensus” Tactic: They'll tell you that every other person has invested in it, you are the only one left. And because you do not want to be left out from making the millions, you are psychologically pressured to invest your hard earned money into it.
Trick 4 - The “Reciprocity” Tactic: They already know that it will be difficult for you to put in all your money at once into the scheme so they cut you a deal and tell you they are giving so -so percent of to make it easy for. And you know what? You think it is the best deal, you grab it while it lasts.
Trick 5 - The “Scarcity” Tactic: It follows from the previous trick. They go on to tell you that it discount will expire in the next 24hours and that it is limited or that after it, it will go back to the full price and because you don't want to miss out, you fall for the trick.
Be wise people. Use your head.
1.
https://www.robertdmitchell.com/ponzi-schemes