I suspect they're not using Ponzi scheme literally, more as a shorthand for the kind of scheme that promises plenty, but doesn't actually do anything. See e.g:

I suspect they're not using Ponzi scheme literally, more as a shorthand for the kind of scheme that promises plenty, but doesn't actually do anything. See e.g: http://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/25/books/nothing-but-zzzz-best.html http://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/25/books/nothing-but-zzzz-bes...