Yup, like any other high risk investments, it's extremly advisable to invest with money that you can afford to lose. And with literally every investment you put your money into, you ought to do some good research to be well versed with it less you face the risk of losing out on your money cause you failed to realize it was a ponzi scheme and not a viable investment opportunity.

Some newbies to bitcoin could hurriedly invest with a good chunk of money and then, get jumpy due to its volatility further down the line and would then sell off his coins, likely at a loss.