Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud

Experience an engaging and meticulously researched account of the tumultuous journey of cryptocurrency, penned by an unexpected but influential critic of the crypto industry.

Dubbed as "one of the crypto industry's unlikely but most prominent critics" by The Washington Post, TV star Ben McKenzie becomes a perfect target for cryptocurrency during the peak of the pandemic. Stuck at home with disposable income, and concerned about his family's well-being, McKenzie finds himself enticed by the vague notion that people are amassing fortunes through something he, despite holding an economics degree, doesn't fully comprehend. Seduced by grandiose and utopian promises, along with a touch of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), McKenzie immerses himself in the world of blockchain, Bitcoin, and various other coins and exchanges. However, as he delves deeper, he begins to question, "Am I crazy, or is this all a complete scam?"

In "Easy Money," McKenzie partners with journalist Jacob Silverman on an investigative escapade into the realm of cryptocurrency and its dramatic rise and fall. Through a compelling narrative, they intertwine the tales of everyday traders and victims, flamboyant crypto visionaries, influential believers from Hollywood, courageous whistleblowers exposing crypto's dark side, and government operatives. "Easy Money" provides an up-close and personal examination of a perfect storm comprising irresponsibility and criminal fraud within the crypto landscape. Grounded in original reporting spanning the nation and beyond, including interviews with key figures such as Sam Bankman-Fried, co-founder of Tether Brock Pierce, and Celsius's Alex Mashinsky, this book satisfies the craving for a comprehensive exploration of cryptocurrency that enthusiasts have long awaited.