ABSTRACT
A unique data set from a large Ponzi scheme allows me to study wordâofâmouth diffusion of investment information. Investors could join the scheme only by invitation from an existing member, which allows me to observe how the idea spreads from one person to the next based on inviterâinvitee relationships. I find that the observed social network has a scaleâfree connectivity structure, which significantly facilitates the diffusion of the investment idea and contributes to the growth and survival of the socially spreading Ponzi scheme. I further find that investors invest more if their inviter has comparatively higher age, education, and income.