Lesson
Wall Street Scams & Safety Nets
Summary
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is. This lesson unpacks common investment scams, the regulators who police Wall Street, and how SIPC and FDIC insurance protect your money differently.
Bellringer: Bernie's Billion-Dollar Lie
- Project the Madoff stat — $65B Ponzi scheme.
- Students jot down: how did so many smart investors get fooled?
Instruction
- Walk through scam red flags, regulator roles, and insurance protections across 6 slides.
- Pause for on-slide questions; cold-call for answers.
Activity: Spot the Scam
- Present 3 mini-scenarios.
- Pairs identify the scam type, the red flag, and which regulator would handle it.
Discussion: SIPC vs. FDIC
- Extend each of the activity scenarios: "Now your brokerage fails too — are you protected?"
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- What is the number one red flag of a Ponzi scheme?
- True or false: If you invest $1,000 in an index fund and it drops to $700, SIPC insurance will pay you back the $300 difference.
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Bellringer: Bernie's Billion-Dollar Lie |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 12 min | Activity: Spot the Scam |
|
| 10 min | Discussion: SIPC vs. FDIC |
|
| 8 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Class Presentation
Includes an 18-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
Unit 7: Investing
Wealth Accelerators
Time is the fastest path to wealth, not total compensation. This lesson explores the mechanics that quietly turn small, boring deposits into a nest egg, covering the cost of waiting, dividends, and dollar-cost averaging.
Investment Fees & Taxes
Every investment quietly takes a cut before gains land, through fund fees, trading costs, and taxes. This lesson unpacks how expense ratios and capital gains taxes can make or break long-term returns.
Wall Street Scams & Safety Nets
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is. This lesson unpacks common investment scams, the regulators who police Wall Street, and how SIPC and FDIC insurance protect your money differently.
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