Builders of pyramids and sellers of air
Around the cryptocurrency, like any other complex and incomprehensible technology, a whole host of the most excellent myths are walking. Poorly informed people are often called Bitcoin a financial pyramid. Although these opinions are not grounded, the cryptocurrencies are in fact very convenient for building pyramids. The first to understand this was the American Trendon Shavers, who created the Bitcoin Savings and Trust fund. From the bitcoin part he received from the depositors, he paid out interest, and the rest began to live for his own pleasure, arguing that they are not money, so he did not commit any crimes. However, the judge disagreed with him, and Shavers went to prison.
Another giant pyramid, whose losses are comparable in scale to the MtGox disaster, appeared in late 2014 in Hong Kong. It was the pseudo-exchange MyCoin, which collected money, promising a payback in a few months, and then fabulous profits. All the signs of the pyramid were evident - promises of super profits, gifts to those who will give money "right now", a bonus for the drive of other customers. However, there were many people who invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in this enterprise. The total amount was almost 390 million HKD.
And in February 2015, when MyCoin became interested in the police, its owners took the money and disappeared, substituting for the hammer of justice hired employees who knew nothing about the machinations. Criminals have not yet been found.