Well if it is a Ponzi when things unravel, they will do it hard and fast.

Anyone that speaks out right before or during the unraveling will be attacked by any brainwashed supporters. This allows the criminals to make a clean get-a-way. So it is important for someone running a Ponzi to build a very loyal base of supporters in the beginning (free stuff/extra large payments/etc) to ensure your get-a-way. It will even take a while for the hardcore backers to realize they have been shammed too as well. Once they realize this they will be the most angry of the bunch but by then it will be too late.

How do I know? Personal experience. Lost a lot of money once.

I'm not saying thats what this is. I'm just describing what it looks like when Ponzi is discovered and runs its course.