If you modify the PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) formula for Social Security to offer typical ponzi scheme type payouts, the median payment jumps from $1,177 to $6,950 per month. The high-end payments would go up to $15k+ a month. And it would run out of money next year, rather than being able to pay 100% for the next 27 years and 90% after that.
So as Ponzi scams go, Social Security is pretty disappointing.
Keep in mind this is a quick calculation from a rank amateur. Someone with less pedestrian skills would get more accurate numbers.
