Synonyms of pyramid scheme

pyramid scheme

noun

as in Ponzi scheme

Synonyms & Similar Words

• Ponzi scheme
• shell game
• cross
• racket
• con
• fix
• scam
• bunko
• swindle
• thimblerig
• fraud
• rip-off
• sting
• jig
• scheme
• stratagem
• bunco
• fiddle
• three-card monte
• flimflam
• device
• dodge
• hustle
• ploy
• gouging
• soaking
• hoax
• forgery
• gimmick
• overcharging
• wile
• phoney
• counterfeit
• sleight
• trick
• fake
• sham
• phony
• humbug

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pyramid scheme

Like a pyramid scheme, Patriot Front effectively paid for its operations by amassing new members. —David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2024

Both individuals orchestrated massive pyramid schemes, defrauding investors of billions. —James Broughel, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Herbalife eventually settled the suit for about two hundred million dollars and agreed to restructure its operations; in return, the F.T.C. stopped short of calling the company a pyramid scheme, and Herbalife stayed in business. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2024

Despite the decades of bad press and costly litigation that ensued, pyramid schemes—or, to be precise, the ostensibly law-abiding companies that happen to be dead ringers for pyramid schemes—appear to be an immovable pillar of the American economy. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2024