This is a very simplified explanation of how a Ponzi works:
Simple formula of a 10 by 11 Ponzi:
Lets say this Ponzi pays 10% for 11 days, ok then 10 people join and they all put $100 in it to keep the math simple, lets assume the admin keeps 10% for admin fees hosting etc.:
1: $100
2: $100
3: $100
4: $100
5: $100
6: $100
7: $100
8: $100
9: $100
10: $100
Total $1000
Now at the end of 11 days lets look at the math here Minus the Admins 10% which equal $100:
1: $110
2: $110
3: $110
4: $110
5: $110
6: $110
7: $110
8: $110
9: $20
10: $0
Admins $100 - (8 people win their 10%) $880 - $100 (1 looses totally) - $20 (one looses 80%)
Using this simple formula you can figure
The original investment 100% - ROI%- Admin% = Leftover divided by number of investors - initial investment gives you the negative percentage of how much is loss.
$1000 - $80 - $100 = 820/10 - Individual Investment
$1000 (original investment) - $80 (Profit to members) - $100 (Admins Take) = 820 / 10 (divide by number of investors) - 100 (Initial individual investment) = -18% that is the percentages of losses the first round, it just gets worse form there.
Lets say Every one show in their Back office area the profit of $110 they all reinvest:
1: $110
2: $110
3: $110
4: $110
5: $110
6: $110
7: $110
8: $110
9: $110
10: $110
They all earn 10% over the next 11 days:
1: $121
2: $121
3: $121
4: $121
5: $121
6: $121
7: $121
8: $121
9: $121
10: $121
Total earned is $1210 Admin still has his fees of 10% $121
What we can figure here is $210 does not exist, nothing was created. The Admins fees are constant, 10% 100 and 121 total of $221, minus that from the original investment leaves $779
Now if the Admin pays out what is earned, only 6 would walk away with profit the others would be at a loss, totally or partially!
1: $121
2: $121
3: $121
4: $121
5: $121
6: $121
7: $53
8: $0
9: $0
10: $0
This is an over simplified way of explaining a Ponzi, and how volatile they can be.