When he eventually drifted back down to the U.S. , he needed a way to make some quick cash . Charles Ponzi was a real person who swindled investors in a postal scam . Ponzi pocketed millions and enjoyed life but a publisher was suspicious . He had to pay back the money he stole, so he faked his death by drowning himself with champagne. Ponzi served time , was deported and died in 1949 -- buried in a pauper 's grave .
Charles Ponzi was a real person who swindled investors in a postal scam . Ponzi pocketed millions and enjoyed life but a publisher was suspicious . He had to pay back the money he stole, so he faked his death by drowning himself with champagne. Ponzi served time , was deported and died in 1949 -- buried in a pauper 's grave .