ABSTRACT
For many of Bernard Madoff's former clients, the bruised egos and inevitable sadness were more evident than the greed. In fact, according to Erving Goffman, the anger of the victims of a con has less to do with greed than with bruised egos. The fact that so few bruised egos had begun to heal a year-and-a-half after Madoff's arrest adds credence to Goffman's conclusion. With the Madoff con, both greed and bruised egos were much in evidence. Client I86's defense of Madoff's victims is a reminder that it is important not to exaggerate their greed. They entrusted their money to professional financial advisors, their decisions were supported by family and friends, and government oversight completely failed. Along with multiplying financial problems, a number of victims reported health problems overwhelming them or their spouse. The Madoff drama had a one-man Greek chorus, Harry Markopolos, warning all who would listen that there was not going to be a happy ending.
