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Devil's Coin
The astonishing true story of the coal miner’s daughter who took on the creators of the world’s biggest financial fraud and helped the FBI to convict them The OneCoin global cryptocurrency fraud stole tens of billions of dollars from ordinary people around the world. Unlike Madoff or Enron, who relieved the world’s wealthiest investors of their cash, the exploiting genius of the OneCoin scam was targeting the poorest people in the world, the “unbanked”—those who struggled to live or get mainstream banking support. The arrogant assumption was that the downtrodden wouldn't have the means or will to fight back. They didn’t reckon on Jen McAdam—a teenage mother, young grandmother, and modern-day Erin Brockovich. Jen’s father left her £15,000 when he his savings from living a careful life in a small Scottish mining town. Jen wanted a safe investment for this money to fund a better life for her family. She was digitally savvy, and she had heard of people making fortunes with Bitcoin. When she saw the promotional material for OneCoin—the founder Dr. Ruja Ignatova featured in major reputable media outlets; videos of celebrity events; gushing video testimonials of people, just like Jen, who had changed their lives—she was entranced. Only months later, she realized she would never see her money again. Jen was one of the only victims worldwide to fight back. Despite terrifying attempts to shut down both her and her growing support groups, she fought tirelessly for justice for herself, her family and friends, and the millions around the world who lost everything, in some cases even their lives. This is a true David-and-Goliath story to give us all a message of hope about the power we as individuals can have, even when things seem hopeless.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2022
16 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 10, 2025
While I was growing up, my mother often said to me, "If it's too good to be true, it is."
Devil's Coin is written by Jennifer McAdam, a victim of Ruja Ignatova's massive fraudulent Ponzi scheme, OneCoin. It was the dreamland of cryptocurrency, and many victims felt FOMO (fear of missing out) across all continents. While the real money flowed to Ignatova, her cultish followers preyed on common folk because it offered "little people" a chance to get on the money ladder.
After people began investing, if they raised questions they were told, "When in doubt, invest more." It was forbidden to be negative if you were in the OneCoin family. McAdam describes it as cleverly parlanced nonsense which made you look the other way while daylight robbery was occurring.
What makes McAdam's story fascinating is that she became a champion for victims of OneCoin's fraud, despite continual death threats. McAdam continues to be a fierce advocate for justice, even while plagued with serious health issues. McAdam believes that having health issues earlier in her life taught her how to be a fighter.
Ignatova disappeared on October 25, 2017.
I had previously read The Missing Cryptoqueen: The Billion Dollar Cryptocurrency Con and the Woman Who Got Away with It and rated it five stars.
I rated Devil's Coin a 4 which is rounded up from 3.5. The pace is a little slow in the beginning and parts of the book felt repetitive.
Other books about Ignatova that I haven't read include:
Fall of the Crypto Queen: The True Story of How the Missing Dr. Ruja Ignatova Built a Cult of Crypto and Scammed Victims Out of Billions and Vanished with Billions The Rise and Fall of Ruja Ignatova: The Rise and Fall of Ruja Ignatova.
Devil's Coin is written by Jennifer McAdam, a victim of Ruja Ignatova's massive fraudulent Ponzi scheme, OneCoin. It was the dreamland of cryptocurrency, and many victims felt FOMO (fear of missing out) across all continents. While the real money flowed to Ignatova, her cultish followers preyed on common folk because it offered "little people" a chance to get on the money ladder.
After people began investing, if they raised questions they were told, "When in doubt, invest more." It was forbidden to be negative if you were in the OneCoin family. McAdam describes it as cleverly parlanced nonsense which made you look the other way while daylight robbery was occurring.
What makes McAdam's story fascinating is that she became a champion for victims of OneCoin's fraud, despite continual death threats. McAdam continues to be a fierce advocate for justice, even while plagued with serious health issues. McAdam believes that having health issues earlier in her life taught her how to be a fighter.
Ignatova disappeared on October 25, 2017.
I had previously read The Missing Cryptoqueen: The Billion Dollar Cryptocurrency Con and the Woman Who Got Away with It and rated it five stars.
I rated Devil's Coin a 4 which is rounded up from 3.5. The pace is a little slow in the beginning and parts of the book felt repetitive.
Other books about Ignatova that I haven't read include:
Fall of the Crypto Queen: The True Story of How the Missing Dr. Ruja Ignatova Built a Cult of Crypto and Scammed Victims Out of Billions and Vanished with Billions The Rise and Fall of Ruja Ignatova: The Rise and Fall of Ruja Ignatova.
August 8, 2023
Devil's Coin is the compelling and intriguing story of how one woman fought against a notorious scammer who stole her money with the aim of getting eventual justice. She was the undisputed Ruja Ignatova, born in Bulgaria and raised in Germany. Elusive before her scheme was carried out and even more so afterwards, and if you can't find the defendant you want to bring court proceedings against due to them purposefully going off grid you either never get justice or wait and bide your time; it appears that for McAdam it was the latter, and she never lost hope. With Ignatova's newly created cryptocurrency OneCoin, it seemed, for all intents and purposes, that it would be competing with Bitcoin itself. It was so convincing that thousands of people around the world, including Jennifer McAdam, daughter of a Scottish miner, invested their money in the project — a total of several billion US dollars. When Ignatova suddenly disappeared in 2017, it became clear that McAdam and thousands with her were the victims of one of the largest crypto scams in history. The crypto queen stole between 4 and 14 billion dollars from people all over the world – an estimated 100 million pounds in Great Britain alone between 2014 and 2017.
McAdam was the only one to fight back, and despite constant harassment and death threats, she continues to fight tirelessly for justice for herself, her family and the thousands around the world who have lost everything, in some cases their lives. Jennifer McAdam is a modern-day Erin Brockovich, and her book is a true David and Goliath story. An interesting, eminently readable cautionary tale filled with detail and the harrowing emotional impact it had on those who lost everything really hit home and made me feel sorry for these victims of financial fraud; as someone fascinated by those who fall for scams, con artists' tricks, multilevel marketing/pyramid schemes, etc, I couldn't resist picking this up as I had never heard of OneCoin or Ignatova previously despite having a big interest in this area. My only minor issue was that sometimes there was quite a lot of autobiographical detail about McAdam's personal life which had little to nothing to do with the story and didn't enrich the narrative at all, but that's likely quite subjective on my part. Overall, a poignant, surprisingly compulsive and inspiring page-turner which serves as a warning to others about blind trust of near-total strangers in any capacity but especially where money is concerned.
McAdam was the only one to fight back, and despite constant harassment and death threats, she continues to fight tirelessly for justice for herself, her family and the thousands around the world who have lost everything, in some cases their lives. Jennifer McAdam is a modern-day Erin Brockovich, and her book is a true David and Goliath story. An interesting, eminently readable cautionary tale filled with detail and the harrowing emotional impact it had on those who lost everything really hit home and made me feel sorry for these victims of financial fraud; as someone fascinated by those who fall for scams, con artists' tricks, multilevel marketing/pyramid schemes, etc, I couldn't resist picking this up as I had never heard of OneCoin or Ignatova previously despite having a big interest in this area. My only minor issue was that sometimes there was quite a lot of autobiographical detail about McAdam's personal life which had little to nothing to do with the story and didn't enrich the narrative at all, but that's likely quite subjective on my part. Overall, a poignant, surprisingly compulsive and inspiring page-turner which serves as a warning to others about blind trust of near-total strangers in any capacity but especially where money is concerned.
August 23, 2023
In this harrowing account, McAdam tells her story of her battle to take down Dr. Ruja Ignatova, the founder of OneCoin.
After Jen’s father died, she received some inheritance money and wanted to invest it into her family’s future. Her best friend, Eileen told her about OneCoin and it piqued Jen’s interest.
She attended the online webinars and immediately she was hooked on the glamour, the lavish marketing, and mesmerised by Ruja Ignatova. The woman appeared to be a genius.
Jen quickly purchased a package, but soon things started to go sour.
When she asked about withdrawing her money, she was told she was “difficult”. This rang alarm bells for Jen.
Then, she finally discovered that OneCoin was a Ponzi scheme, a scam. She began her online campaign to make people aware of OneCoin and to warn them against investing in it. She set up online support groups for the victims of OneCoin, listening to people’s hauntingly shocking stories. Some of these stories feature in the book and they are truly heartbreaking.
What resonated with me as I read this book was Jen’s determination and persistence. She truly wanted to help others and to bring the scammers to justice.
This is a true account, however, it sounds like something out of a Hollywood movie. Gang connections, death threats, online abuse and harassment – all the drama!
I truly applaud Jen for her bravery and fighting against injustice, despite facing her own health challenges. It’s very easy to give up and say you don’t care, but Jen isn’t like that.
She is a true hero.
After Jen’s father died, she received some inheritance money and wanted to invest it into her family’s future. Her best friend, Eileen told her about OneCoin and it piqued Jen’s interest.
She attended the online webinars and immediately she was hooked on the glamour, the lavish marketing, and mesmerised by Ruja Ignatova. The woman appeared to be a genius.
Jen quickly purchased a package, but soon things started to go sour.
When she asked about withdrawing her money, she was told she was “difficult”. This rang alarm bells for Jen.
Then, she finally discovered that OneCoin was a Ponzi scheme, a scam. She began her online campaign to make people aware of OneCoin and to warn them against investing in it. She set up online support groups for the victims of OneCoin, listening to people’s hauntingly shocking stories. Some of these stories feature in the book and they are truly heartbreaking.
What resonated with me as I read this book was Jen’s determination and persistence. She truly wanted to help others and to bring the scammers to justice.
This is a true account, however, it sounds like something out of a Hollywood movie. Gang connections, death threats, online abuse and harassment – all the drama!
I truly applaud Jen for her bravery and fighting against injustice, despite facing her own health challenges. It’s very easy to give up and say you don’t care, but Jen isn’t like that.
She is a true hero.
October 16, 2023
A captivating memoir about a real-life financial conspiracy involving one of the most notorious cryptocurrency scams recently. The book chronicles the author's relentless pursuit of justice against Ruja Ignatova's fraudulent OneCoin empire, which vanished with billions of dollars. The combination of personal experiences and investigative storytelling gives merit to this memoir. I was riveted by McAdam's unwavering commitment to seeking the truth and justice for victims, and her journey, especially emotionally and mentally, added depth to the narrative.
This book provides an eye-opening account of how an elaborate Ponzi scheme operated within the world of digital currencies, serving as both a cautionary tale and a fascinating insider's view, especially for those interested in cryptocurrency. I find the narrative to be thrilling; there's emotional resonance, and the sheer audacity of the OneCoin scam makes it an intriguing read. In my opinion, this book serves as a reminder because it sheds light on the widespread financial fraud in the cryptocurrency sphere, as well as the need for stricter regulations and accountability in the industry. The victims definitely demonstrate their strengths and determination to expose and dismantle fraudulent financial schemes.
On one hand, I appreciate the emotional depth and insight it offers into the world of cryptocurrency scams. On the other hand, it's a bit frustrating at times as the narrative can be disjointed, plus the book's structure and narrative are a bit out of focus. I understand that sometimes memoirs are dramatised for them to sell well; however, I do find that in some parts, the author is playing victim a little too much that it felt a bit cringy. Nonetheless, it is definitely a recommended read for those who are into true crimes.
This book provides an eye-opening account of how an elaborate Ponzi scheme operated within the world of digital currencies, serving as both a cautionary tale and a fascinating insider's view, especially for those interested in cryptocurrency. I find the narrative to be thrilling; there's emotional resonance, and the sheer audacity of the OneCoin scam makes it an intriguing read. In my opinion, this book serves as a reminder because it sheds light on the widespread financial fraud in the cryptocurrency sphere, as well as the need for stricter regulations and accountability in the industry. The victims definitely demonstrate their strengths and determination to expose and dismantle fraudulent financial schemes.
On one hand, I appreciate the emotional depth and insight it offers into the world of cryptocurrency scams. On the other hand, it's a bit frustrating at times as the narrative can be disjointed, plus the book's structure and narrative are a bit out of focus. I understand that sometimes memoirs are dramatised for them to sell well; however, I do find that in some parts, the author is playing victim a little too much that it felt a bit cringy. Nonetheless, it is definitely a recommended read for those who are into true crimes.
April 15, 2023
I have always been somewhat skeptical of crypto-currency and this book certainly does not help it. Jennifer McAdam tells the story of her hellish journey with OneCoin in her book, Devil's Coin. The story follows how McAdam becomes involved in what was a giant Ponzi scheme and multi-level marketing (MLM) scam all rolled up in one!
Unfortunately, the book can be very frustrating at times for different reasons. The first two chapters are a deep dive into McAdam's life. There are some heartrending moments that are poignant, but there also seems to be a bit too much included in these chapters. For instance, a detailed reliving of various relationships does not set up the rest of the book in any significant way. When OneCoin enters the picture, the book picks up again as McAdam details her foray into crypto. However, there is a lack of insight from time to time. McAdam never seems to realize the MLM aspect of OneCoin was a huge red flag from day one. Her journey from true believer to moral enemy feels disjointed.
Once McAdam turns on OneCoin, the book goes global, but this is where the narrative loses the reader. Chapter upon chapters feel like a laundry list of stories McAdam dug up online and she even admits multiple times she is not sure of their reliability. Other stories are pulled from police reports and not given full context. McAdam talks about how she is fighting the good fight, but she never makes the connections between what she does and their effects. I am still unsure if McAdam's actions had any effect on OneCoin. This is not to say I think she didn't. What I am saying is she does not tell me in the narrative.
The biggest stumble is that McAdam rarely digs into her own life after the first couple chapters. She begins a crusade against OneCoin, but only provides only passing references the effects on her family and friends who she talked into investing. I feel a much stronger book could have been made by focusing this story closer to home.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and William Morrow.)
Unfortunately, the book can be very frustrating at times for different reasons. The first two chapters are a deep dive into McAdam's life. There are some heartrending moments that are poignant, but there also seems to be a bit too much included in these chapters. For instance, a detailed reliving of various relationships does not set up the rest of the book in any significant way. When OneCoin enters the picture, the book picks up again as McAdam details her foray into crypto. However, there is a lack of insight from time to time. McAdam never seems to realize the MLM aspect of OneCoin was a huge red flag from day one. Her journey from true believer to moral enemy feels disjointed.
Once McAdam turns on OneCoin, the book goes global, but this is where the narrative loses the reader. Chapter upon chapters feel like a laundry list of stories McAdam dug up online and she even admits multiple times she is not sure of their reliability. Other stories are pulled from police reports and not given full context. McAdam talks about how she is fighting the good fight, but she never makes the connections between what she does and their effects. I am still unsure if McAdam's actions had any effect on OneCoin. This is not to say I think she didn't. What I am saying is she does not tell me in the narrative.
The biggest stumble is that McAdam rarely digs into her own life after the first couple chapters. She begins a crusade against OneCoin, but only provides only passing references the effects on her family and friends who she talked into investing. I feel a much stronger book could have been made by focusing this story closer to home.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and William Morrow.)
August 14, 2023
Well, Jennifer McAdam what a woman you are. I take my hat off to you, a true and dedicated female crusader for the 21st century.
I was very intrigued as to Jen’s candid backstory, since I was born the same year and understood the social economy and the typical 1970’s lifestyle during that time, especially for a coal miner’s daughter, as I too grew up in a coal mining town.
Jennifer’s story conveyed so many emotions. Her vulnerability during a period of illness that drew her into the investment scheme, to enjoying the idea of the potential reward and planning how to spend the money, to the denial of thoughts of it being a scam and then onto the realisation that things weren’t quite as first imagined and maybe, just maybe they had lost all their savings and investment. Having to deal with death threats must have been horrendous to live and deal with and I admired her dedicated pledge of bringing Dr Ruja Gnatova, the missing crypto-queen to justice, someone who had made so many susceptible peoples lives a relentless nightmare. I totally understood her many frustrations at how little legal action could be taken, due to data protection laws.
I found the author’s note at the end very interesting and a nicely explained conclusion to the book. The photos that were included were also especially interesting, in particular the poster showing Dr Ruja on the FBI’s ten most wanted list.
Jennifer McAdam, Scotland’s very own freedom fighter, is still looking over her shoulder but continuing her dedicated pursuit of justice, fighting on behalf of all the innocent people, who like Jennifer, honestly believed what they were told by seemingly intelligent and persuasive financial advisors. I for one, truly hope she succeeds and that no one else goes through the ordeals Jennifer and her friend did.
This is a very intelligent and well written biographical story and I really look forward to seeing her story made into a movie soon, along the block-busting lines of Erin Brockovich, it will certainly be an eye-opener!
3.5 stars
I was very intrigued as to Jen’s candid backstory, since I was born the same year and understood the social economy and the typical 1970’s lifestyle during that time, especially for a coal miner’s daughter, as I too grew up in a coal mining town.
Jennifer’s story conveyed so many emotions. Her vulnerability during a period of illness that drew her into the investment scheme, to enjoying the idea of the potential reward and planning how to spend the money, to the denial of thoughts of it being a scam and then onto the realisation that things weren’t quite as first imagined and maybe, just maybe they had lost all their savings and investment. Having to deal with death threats must have been horrendous to live and deal with and I admired her dedicated pledge of bringing Dr Ruja Gnatova, the missing crypto-queen to justice, someone who had made so many susceptible peoples lives a relentless nightmare. I totally understood her many frustrations at how little legal action could be taken, due to data protection laws.
I found the author’s note at the end very interesting and a nicely explained conclusion to the book. The photos that were included were also especially interesting, in particular the poster showing Dr Ruja on the FBI’s ten most wanted list.
Jennifer McAdam, Scotland’s very own freedom fighter, is still looking over her shoulder but continuing her dedicated pursuit of justice, fighting on behalf of all the innocent people, who like Jennifer, honestly believed what they were told by seemingly intelligent and persuasive financial advisors. I for one, truly hope she succeeds and that no one else goes through the ordeals Jennifer and her friend did.
This is a very intelligent and well written biographical story and I really look forward to seeing her story made into a movie soon, along the block-busting lines of Erin Brockovich, it will certainly be an eye-opener!
3.5 stars
September 19, 2023
Needed serious editing
December 11, 2024
Devil’s Coin by Jennifer McAdam
Having just finished reading *Devil’s Coin*, I am left in a state of shock and awe. Jennifer McAdam’s harrowing journey is not merely a tale of resilience; it is a testament to the terror that can seep into everyday life. From the outset, I was captivated, unable to tear myself away from the pages. McAdam’s recounting of her childhood sets the stage for an intense narrative that spirals into the heart of the OneCoin mafia fraud—an insidious fraudulent mafia scheme that ensnares unsuspecting victims and devastates lives on a global scale.
The courage McAdam displays in her fight for justice is nothing short of extraordinary. She faces chilling threats and insurmountable odds, wading through a nightmarish landscape where danger lurks at every turn. Her profound sense of urgency to expose the fraudsters grips the reader, turning each page into a heart-pounding experience. The emotional toll of her advocacy work is palpable; it is a miracle she finds solace amid the chaos.
As I closed the book, I was left horrified yet profoundly inspired. McAdam's story is a relentless battle against evil—a stark reminder of the real horrors that can engulf anyone. This is not just a book; it is a call to action for justice that demands to be heard. I could not put her book Devils Coin down from start to finish, it had me gripped throughout. I’ve also just read Hollywood is making a movie of her story based on the book and I am not surprised. It’s unbelievable that this is a true story and not fiction. I had to pinch and remind myself on a few occasions whilst engulfed reading the book that this was a true story. Highly recommend Devil’s Coin by Jennifer McAdam, be prepared to not put it down!
Having just finished reading *Devil’s Coin*, I am left in a state of shock and awe. Jennifer McAdam’s harrowing journey is not merely a tale of resilience; it is a testament to the terror that can seep into everyday life. From the outset, I was captivated, unable to tear myself away from the pages. McAdam’s recounting of her childhood sets the stage for an intense narrative that spirals into the heart of the OneCoin mafia fraud—an insidious fraudulent mafia scheme that ensnares unsuspecting victims and devastates lives on a global scale.
The courage McAdam displays in her fight for justice is nothing short of extraordinary. She faces chilling threats and insurmountable odds, wading through a nightmarish landscape where danger lurks at every turn. Her profound sense of urgency to expose the fraudsters grips the reader, turning each page into a heart-pounding experience. The emotional toll of her advocacy work is palpable; it is a miracle she finds solace amid the chaos.
As I closed the book, I was left horrified yet profoundly inspired. McAdam's story is a relentless battle against evil—a stark reminder of the real horrors that can engulf anyone. This is not just a book; it is a call to action for justice that demands to be heard. I could not put her book Devils Coin down from start to finish, it had me gripped throughout. I’ve also just read Hollywood is making a movie of her story based on the book and I am not surprised. It’s unbelievable that this is a true story and not fiction. I had to pinch and remind myself on a few occasions whilst engulfed reading the book that this was a true story. Highly recommend Devil’s Coin by Jennifer McAdam, be prepared to not put it down!
August 21, 2023
Thank you @AdLibPublishers JenMcAdamUK and @MardleBooks #DevilsCoin for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Devil's Coin is an extraordinary read that opens my eyes to the world of one coin. I can't believe there are people out there that are willing to take advantage of other people and I am glad Jennifer McAdam fought back. Devil's Coin is a true story about Jennifer who was left some money by her dad and decided she wanted to invest it in one coin. I read Devil's Coin in a day in a half and there were areas I did need to concentrate on more when they went into more detail about one coin and the people who scammed them. It was very hard to put this down, and I felt for all the people that got scammed by Onecoin, it's awful for Jennifer and the other people that went through it. This is a very interesting and thorough provoking read. 5 stars very good read that opens your eyes to the world of Onecoin scam.
August 21, 2023
This started off as such a heartbreaking, shocking, emotional, and sad story with how she was treated by her family and partners. Then falling ill with ME. She found hope in a new digital currency offering to change her life, very similar to Bitcoin. She got her friends and others on bored to join in this to good to be true opportunity. But it soon turned sour and nasty. Fraud. Scam. But this woman fought back. What a determined, strong, angry, and brilliant woman. One woman can change a lot. I'm very proud of her, and I don't even know her. We've all had messages from these people, and it's the biggest scam going, I don't know how they get away with it. This is not my usual type of book I read, but I'm so glad I read this. I actually learnt a lot from it about digital currency, but the biggest lesson would be to not fall for it. A well-deserved four stars. Amazing, raw, and honest story. Highly recommend.
September 10, 2025
Devil’s Coin isn’t just a thriller, it’s a deep dive into human psychology, greed, and the consequences of choices that seem small at first but spiral out of control.
Jennifer McAdam crafts a story that keeps you turning pages, but what really grabbed me was how real the characters feel. Each one has flaws, desires, and secrets that make their decisions feel unpredictable yet inevitable. I loved how the author balances suspense with subtle reflections on morality; how a single action can ripple into consequences far beyond what we expect 😶🌫️
What stood out the most for me was the way McAdam shows temptation, not as something obvious or exaggerated, but as something everyday people can relate to. It’s a reminder that our “devil’s coin moments” the little compromises we make can define us more than we realize.
If you love stories that are thrilling but also make you think about human nature, this is a great pick. Definitely a book that sticks with you long after the last page 🌱
Jennifer McAdam crafts a story that keeps you turning pages, but what really grabbed me was how real the characters feel. Each one has flaws, desires, and secrets that make their decisions feel unpredictable yet inevitable. I loved how the author balances suspense with subtle reflections on morality; how a single action can ripple into consequences far beyond what we expect 😶🌫️
What stood out the most for me was the way McAdam shows temptation, not as something obvious or exaggerated, but as something everyday people can relate to. It’s a reminder that our “devil’s coin moments” the little compromises we make can define us more than we realize.
If you love stories that are thrilling but also make you think about human nature, this is a great pick. Definitely a book that sticks with you long after the last page 🌱
June 18, 2024
The book is spot on. I listen to audio books which usually means I miss out on chunks of plot because I get distracted thinking how awful it is that I decided running was a healthy activity. I didn't miss a word of this book. It's genuinely thrilling and I'm going to counter argue it really didn't need the editor and reordering some have suggested. Perhaps you get more of the emotion of it in the Scottish audio read vs print? It works in audio.
It strikes me that Jen McAdams is a woman in an MLM pyramid scheme in the same general outline from Bill Browder's exceptional Red Notice which always tops non fiction must reads. She doesn't hit it big in the stock market for real, but she does on screen...and from there descends reality and her fight for justice against systems that really don't care. They feel like the same story meeting from opposite ends. Greed. Yikes.
It strikes me that Jen McAdams is a woman in an MLM pyramid scheme in the same general outline from Bill Browder's exceptional Red Notice which always tops non fiction must reads. She doesn't hit it big in the stock market for real, but she does on screen...and from there descends reality and her fight for justice against systems that really don't care. They feel like the same story meeting from opposite ends. Greed. Yikes.
October 16, 2023
Amazing, appalling and a must read
Onecoin flew under my radar and I was just shocked to learn about the financial raping and pillaging done to innocent people all over the world. Just as appalling is the lack of oversight by governments all over the world. This scandal reads like a thriller and it is just so sad that it is true. Stealing from the poor and underprivileged is the lowest form of greed.
Onecoin flew under my radar and I was just shocked to learn about the financial raping and pillaging done to innocent people all over the world. Just as appalling is the lack of oversight by governments all over the world. This scandal reads like a thriller and it is just so sad that it is true. Stealing from the poor and underprivileged is the lowest form of greed.
September 21, 2025
I didn't know anything about the OneCoin and I feel I have been under a rock. She mentions every country int he world and how she was obsessed but now she is fighting to capture Dr. Ruja. I know about the scam and glad I read this book. It was a bit repetitive since the author was repeating the claim and the money and the toys that the criminals took. It took me a while to read the book, there were lots of character names and issues to track of, but at the end it was about corruption.
July 12, 2025
An absolutely captivating story here. My empathy is strong for this wonderful soul, Jennifer, she kept her head high as she forged through unspeakable trials and tribulations. I am looking for your next book and continue to pray for your successes.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story.
dnf
September 21, 2023DNF … could not get past the beginning chapters which were completely unrelated to the topic of the book.
January 4, 2024
There is nothing new in this that you can'r hear free from the BBC podcast except a dose of syrup
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June 17, 2024
Just wholly uninteresting.
August 10, 2023
If this was fiction, you would claim it was too far-fetched. This is the almost unbelievable true story behind one of the victims of Dr Ruja Ignatova, the missing cryptoqueen.
Read it if: you loved The Missing Cryptoqueen podcast.
Don’t read it if: you’re not into true crime or stories of fraud.
Devil’s Coin is the memoir of Jennifer McAdam, a woman with an extraordinary story after she was conned out of her inheritance and lifesavings by the OneCoin cryptocurrency scam. Jen is no victim, she’s smart, digitally-savvy and ran her own IT business before investing in OneCoin, an attempt to safeguard her family’s future and protect the £15,000 her miner father left to her. Jen’s account details the careful manipulation by the OneCoin marketing machine and her obsession with the charismatic founder Dr Ruja Ignatova.
You follow Jen through her elation at joining the OneCoin family and becoming an early investor in the “new BitCoin”, her confusion and anger when the whole system is challenged by a cryptocurrency expert, and the devastating realisation that her money was gone.
Most of the book is focussed on Jen’s fight to expose the OneCoin scam and her ongoing support work to help other victims. Despite numerous threats to her life and in order to help others, Jen tells her story candidly and without shame. The first part of the story is a bio of Jen’s early life and the hardships she faced growing up, and I appreciated learning more about her life. It also made what happened feel all the more heartbreaking.
Despite this, I felt that the book was uplifting and a testament to the spirit of those millions of people who fell victim to the OneCoin scam and continue to fight for justice.
I read this book before delving into the BBC’s “The Missing Cryptoqueen” podcast, so the story definitely piqued my interest.
With thanks to Mardle Books (an imprint of Ad Lib Publishers Ltd) for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read it if: you loved The Missing Cryptoqueen podcast.
Don’t read it if: you’re not into true crime or stories of fraud.
Devil’s Coin is the memoir of Jennifer McAdam, a woman with an extraordinary story after she was conned out of her inheritance and lifesavings by the OneCoin cryptocurrency scam. Jen is no victim, she’s smart, digitally-savvy and ran her own IT business before investing in OneCoin, an attempt to safeguard her family’s future and protect the £15,000 her miner father left to her. Jen’s account details the careful manipulation by the OneCoin marketing machine and her obsession with the charismatic founder Dr Ruja Ignatova.
You follow Jen through her elation at joining the OneCoin family and becoming an early investor in the “new BitCoin”, her confusion and anger when the whole system is challenged by a cryptocurrency expert, and the devastating realisation that her money was gone.
Most of the book is focussed on Jen’s fight to expose the OneCoin scam and her ongoing support work to help other victims. Despite numerous threats to her life and in order to help others, Jen tells her story candidly and without shame. The first part of the story is a bio of Jen’s early life and the hardships she faced growing up, and I appreciated learning more about her life. It also made what happened feel all the more heartbreaking.
Despite this, I felt that the book was uplifting and a testament to the spirit of those millions of people who fell victim to the OneCoin scam and continue to fight for justice.
I read this book before delving into the BBC’s “The Missing Cryptoqueen” podcast, so the story definitely piqued my interest.
With thanks to Mardle Books (an imprint of Ad Lib Publishers Ltd) for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2023
even though the subject matter is dark, a delightful read - paced like a thriller
August 19, 2025
Реальна історія жінки, яка стала жертвою найбільшої шахрайської схеми з криптовалюти під назвою One Coin. За деякими підрахунками організатори збагатились, тільки вдумайтесь, на 20 млрд доларів. Більшість інвесторів цієї піраміди були простими людьми з різних куточків планети, які віддавали єдині або останні гроші в надії на краще майбутнє. Насправді ніякої криптовалюти не було, організатори дурили людей, просто створивши фінансову піраміду.
September 30, 2023
I found this book to be really interesting. I can’t say I knew anything about the story prior to this, but the space is an interesting one and obviously very open to these kinds of scams. It did feel a little drawn out at times with unnecessary detail but all in found it to be very inspiring and enjoyable, and I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy non fiction and true crime.
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