Great.com founder and Catena Media co-founder Erik Bergman recently disclosed that he was deceived in a sophisticated crypto scam that cost him $1.25 million. This unfortunate event unfolded over the weekend when he was led to believe he was investing in a venture alongside popular YouTube personalities and other esteemed figures.
At the age of 37, Bergman, known for his philanthropic efforts and investments, admitted his mistake on social media, stating, “I just got scammed for $1.25 million. I feel ashamed and stupid.” His candid admission underscores the vulnerability even seasoned entrepreneurs can face in the world of deceitful schemes.
The incident began with a seemingly legitimate phone call from renowned YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober. They were reaching out to solicit support for their Team Water initiative, a noble campaign dedicated to constructing wells in Africa. After conducting thorough research on the global water crisis, Bergman committed to donating $1 million. MrBeast publicly acknowledged his contribution, and Bergman felt honored to participate in such a worthwhile cause.
However, the situation took a dark turn when individuals impersonating Team Water representatives approached him via WhatsApp. They extended an invitation to an exclusive trip to Africa with other major donors, persuading him by adding him to a group chat featuring names like MrBeast, Mark Rober, and supposed billionaires such as @StakeEddie and @tobi, as well as streamer superstars like @adinross.
Bergman, who has always cherished the lighter side of life, admitted to feeling an almost adolescent desire to fit in with such a distinguished group. He recounted moments of hesitation when sending messages, apprehensive about appearing “uncool” in the chat, which further highlights how scammers prey on social desires.
The deception escalated when the fake “MrBeast” introduced a secretive cryptocurrency opportunity, allegedly in collaboration with Coinbase for a new coin launch. The excitement and encouragement from other members of the chat, who Bergman believed were genuine influencers and billionaires, created a compelling narrative of legitimacy.
Expressions of eagerness filled the chat, with impostors masquerading as Ed Craven and Adin Ross contributing to the illusion. “Will do, ty for the opportunity,” chimed in the faux Ed Craven. “I will send it when I get home,” added the imitation Adin Ross, fueling the urgency and excitement among the supposed investors.
Caught in the fervor, Bergman and a friend transferred $500,000 initially, followed by another $750,000, to the fraudulent wallets. The scammers had masterfully crafted an environment of trust and exclusivity.
The facade began to crumble when inconsistencies emerged, such as a supposed American influencer using a British phone number. This prompted Bergman to reach out to the real MrBeast, who reacted with shock and concern: “Wow, I don’t know what to say… please tell me you didn’t send them any money.” The reality of the scam hit Bergman hard as he realized the deceit behind the group chat, the African trip, and the investment opportunity.
Despite the financial loss, Bergman decided to confront the situation openly, sharing his experience to dispel feelings of shame. He emphasized that he still supports Team Water and takes pride in his original donation. Reflecting on past experiences, he revealed this wasn’t his first encounter with scams; at 20, he lost $3,000 in another scheme, a significant sum at the time, but he remained silent out of embarrassment.
Having played a pivotal role in Catena Media’s growth to over 300 employees and a $200 million valuation before stepping back to focus on environmental philanthropy, Bergman refuses to let shame dictate his narrative. He shared his ordeal with his wife, family, and friends, finding solace in their support.
He recounted receiving a touching message from his brother, which echoed a profound truth: “Remember that shame can only live in the shadows. Tell people about your shame, and I promise that the feeling will change.” Bergman’s decision to speak out serves as a reminder that transparency can often liberate individuals from the grip of shame, transforming it into a powerful lesson for others.
However, not everyone views public admissions of such mistakes positively. Critics argue that sharing these experiences might inadvertently encourage other scammers by demonstrating the vulnerabilities of high-profile individuals. They suggest that a more cautious and private approach could prevent future incidents.
Nevertheless, Bergman’s story underscores the importance of vigilance in the digital age, where even the most savvy investors can fall victim to well-orchestrated scams. It highlights the necessity for enhanced security measures and continued education to protect individuals from similar traps.
In a world where technology and deception intertwine, Bergman’s openness serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspirational call for transparency. It underscores the resilience required to bounce back from setbacks while continuing to support genuine causes. As the digital landscape evolves, his experience encourages others to remain vigilant and, most importantly, to seek connection and support in the face of adversity.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
