Scott Rothstein's Ponzi scheme began in the early 2000s, when he started selling fake settlements to investors, promising them high returns. The scheme quickly grew, with Rothstein using the money from new investors to pay off earlier investors, while keeping a significant portion for himself. The scheme collapsed in 2009, when investors began to demand their money back, and Rothstein was unable to pay. The FBI launched an investigation, and Rothstein was arrested on December 1, 2009. He was charged with racketeering, conspiracy, and money laundering, and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. The case was notable for its scale and complexity, as well as the fact that Rothstein was able to use his charm and charisma to convince so many people to invest in his scheme.