• Don't Fall for It

  • A Short History of Financial Scams
  • By: Ben Carlson
  • Narrated by: Graham Rowat
  • Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (87 ratings)

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Don't Fall for It  By  cover art

Don't Fall for It

By: Ben Carlson
Narrated by: Graham Rowat
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Publisher's summary

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.

©2020 Ben Carlson (P)2020 Gildan Media

What listeners say about Don't Fall for It

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Humorous and informative stories to learn from

interesting stories and info, broken into short tidbits and lessons. Great pop culture references too

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great quick listen

Loved the real world examples given and the books attempt to relate to the user.

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entertaining and informative

An entertaining historical tour of incredible feats pulled off by can men. Sell the Eiffel tower? Check. Sell the Brooklyn bridge? Check. Sell railroads that go nowhere? Check.

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I liked it, was intriguing and relevant to current

I liked it, was was intriguing and relevant to current events. Would recommend to all walks of life

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Too Wikipedia-ish

Carlson provides a thorough walk-thru of financial schemes but it sort of reads like a Wikipedia article. I would have like to have seen more focus on eight or ten basic examples with more human interest of both hucksters and victims.

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    3 out of 5 stars

Too much "other"

I get annoyed by political statements, economical "truths", the "how-to" part and other irrelevant comments.
...But the 80% is spot on, but i sadly knew most of it already.
So it may fit you better???

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