The Media’s Blind Spot: Millions Scammed Daily While Reporters Chase the Wrong Story

While phone scammers and call centers in India dominate media coverage, a much larger and more complex battle is being fought behind the scenes—one that’s slipping through the cracks of traditional reporting.

My name is Danny de Hek, aka The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger, and I’ve dedicated my life to exposing crypto-based Ponzi schemes that have scammed mum and dad investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars.

This blog isn’t just a call to action; it’s a wake-up call for reporters and media outlets to shift their focus. Instead of chasing clickbait stories and popular YouTubers battling Indian call center scams, it’s time to spotlight the real financial predators who are running intricate schemes and ruining lives through Zoom meetings and fake crypto investments.

The Media’s Misstep: Chasing the Wrong Battle

Recently, I’ve seen major outlets like Bloomberg publish articles on Ponzi schemes, yet their focus misses the mark. Instead of diving into the intricate and dangerous world of crypto Ponzi schemes, they highlight YouTubers with large subscriber bases fighting an entirely different battle—phone scam baiting.

Make no mistake, scam baiters like Jim Browning, Kitboga, and Scammer Payback do excellent work disrupting call centers that prey on vulnerable people. They expose scams that trick victims into buying gift cards for nonexistent bills from PayPal, Amazon, or utility companies. These scammers use tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer to manipulate their victims remotely.

However, Ponzi schemes are a completely different beast. These schemes rely on sophisticated manipulation, flashy presentations, and fake opportunities that promise outrageous returns on crypto investments. They don’t call people at random—they lure them into Zoom meetings with the promise of financial freedom.

This isn’t a small-time operation. Ponzi schemes often involve millions of dollars, complex networks of recruiters, and a fa?ade of legitimacy. Despite the scale of these crimes, they lack the attention they deserve from both reporters and regulators.

The Battle We’re Fighting

My team and I have taken a proactive role in exposing these scams, but we’re not just raising awareness—we’re disrupting operations.

1. Building Databases: We compile detailed information about individuals promoting Ponzi schemes and share it with government agencies.
2. Monitoring Zoom Meetings: These meetings are the breeding ground for manipulation. We attend these calls, ask uncomfortable questions, and warn attendees in real time.
3. Exposing Fake Opportunities: A recent example is the BOOMERANG scam, which sold “arbitrage trading licenses” for $500 to $10,000. Victims were promised daily returns of up to $1,500. Instead, they were refunded in a worthless blockchain currency called BTCC.
4. Connecting the Dots: We’ve linked schemes like BOOMERANG and 9Pay to a $1.9 billion fraud involving Hyperverse. Its founder, Sam Lee, was even detained by Interpol in Dubai.

Over the last 18 months, we’ve tracked over $350 million lost in just one scam and are fighting to hold the perpetrators accountable. Yet the media barely scratches the surface of these crimes, choosing instead to focus on call center pranks.

Why Reporters Need to Step Up

The media has a critical role in shaping public awareness and influencing policy. Unfortunately, many reporters are taking the easy route—publishing stories about YouTubers with millions of followers instead of doing the hard work of investigative journalism.

Here’s what’s missing from their coverage:

• The Scale of the Problem: Millions of dollars are being stolen daily through Ponzi schemes. These scams are global, with networks spanning continents.
• The Methods Used: Unlike call center scams, Ponzi schemes use high-pressure tactics in Zoom meetings, professional-looking websites, and fake endorsements to manipulate victims.
• The Victims’ Stories: Every scam represents shattered dreams and lost savings. The media needs to give these victims a voice.

Good reporting is about getting in the trenches—attending those Zoom meetings, asking hard questions, and exposing the truth. It’s not about chasing clicks; it’s about making a difference.

The Vigilante Approach

Unlike many YouTubers, I don’t just create awareness—I actively fight these scams. I consider myself a soldier in a battle that few people even realize is happening. I go into the lion’s den, attending Zoom calls where scammers gaslight their victims. I hold up messages warning attendees, disrupt their presentations, and call out the lies in real time.

A recent example is Shavez Anwar, a protégé of Sam Lee, who now promotes fraudulent projects like StableDAO, BitcoinCode, and 9Pay. Anwar arrogantly claimed he would pay me $10,000 if I could uncover his last name. Well, we did, and we exposed his lies. He even falsely claimed his crypto credit card, 9Pay, was backed by Visa—a claim Visa quickly denied.

This is the kind of work that needs to be done. Yet, despite the impact we’re making, the media remains largely silent.

What Needs to Change

It’s time for the media to shift their focus and recognize the urgency of this issue. Here’s what they can do:

1. Investigate Ponzi Schemes: Attend Zoom meetings, research the companies, and expose the individuals involved.
2. Highlight the Scale of the Problem: Show the public how much money is being lost and the devastating impact on families.
3. Collaborate with Vigilantes: Work with people like me who are already fighting these battles. We have the evidence and the stories that need to be told.
4. Challenge Regulators: Push government agencies to act faster and more decisively against these scams.

Conclusion

Ponzi schemes are a growing threat, and the media has a responsibility to shine a light on them. This isn’t just about clicks or subscribers—it’s about protecting people from financial ruin.

To the reporters reading this: Get out of the office. Join us in the trenches. The battle is happening now, and millions of dollars are at stake. It’s time to wake up and tell the real story.

If you want to make a difference, start here. My name is Danny de Hek, The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger. Let’s fight this battle together.