TFA isn't describing a Ponzi scheme because (as far as we know) the person doing the machinations doesn't run the scheme (underlying "coin") and doesn't use new

TFA isn't describing a Ponzi scheme because (as far as we know) the person doing the machinations doesn't run the scheme (underlying "coin") and doesn't use new investors' money to pay off existing ones. It's just a pump and dump (buy while something is cheap, hype it up to make the price go up, then sell at the top).