A "lohovod" is a slang name for a person who actively lures inexperienced participants into dubious investment schemes and hype projects, deliberately concealing risks that are well known to them. The word has a sharply negative connotation and is applied to those who act not in the interests of the people they attract but for their own benefit.

A typical scheme is built on aggressive promotion: the "lohovod" promises quick and almost guaranteed income, refers to "unique" opportunities and creates a sense that you must invest urgently before it is too late. Meanwhile, the flip side — a high probability of losing funds — is kept off-screen. Such projects often resemble financial pyramids, where payouts to early participants come from the money of new ones.

How to recognize a "lohovod"

• Promises of guaranteed and quick profit without explaining the sources of income.
• Pressure and artificial urgency: "get in now".
• Concealment of risks and a lack of transparent information about the project.
• An aggressive referral system that rewards bringing in new people.

The best defense is critical thinking and independent verification of any project. If the returns look unrealistically high and the risks are kept quiet, that is a serious reason to be cautious.