CONSOB Brings Financial Education about Ponzi Scheme to the Stage with "Watch for Scams!"

The Italian National Commission for Companies and the Stock Exchange (CONSOB) has launched a theatrical production Watch for Scams!, to bring financial education to the stage. The play will be performed at Novoli Theater in Salento, with performances scheduled for 10 and 11 March.

The play, inspired by the autobiography written in prison by Charles Ponzi—the Italian adventurer who emigrated to the United States and the infamous creator of the "Ponzi scheme"—explores one of history's most notorious financial frauds. Co-written by Nadia Linciano, CONSOB’s Secretary General, and Salento actor Massimo Giordano, the production combines entertainment with a vital financial literacy message.

Following the play,  Alessandro Prontera, Deputy Prosecutor at the Public Prosecutor's Office of Lecce, and Paola Soccorso, head of CONSOB's Financial Education Office, will talk with the audience members. The discussion will focus on identifying the most widespread and recurring financial abusive practices.

CONSOB underscores that most modern financial scams are re-editions of the century-old "Ponzi scheme." The scammers prey on individuals' lack of financial knowledge and impulsive decision-making by promising dazzling investment opportunities. The regulator continues to advocate for widespread awareness of basic financial safeguards to help savers avoid falling victim to scams.