Erik Bergman on shame, hope, and MrBeast’s $100,000 reward after $1.25 million crypto scam

In an exclusive interview with iGamingCapital.mt, Erik Bergman – Co-Founder of Malta-based Catena Media and Founder of Great.com – opened up about the emotional journey that followed his recent $1.25 million crypto scam loss, why he decided to go public, and how MrBeast’s $100,000 reward has renewed his hope for justice.

Earlier this month, Mr Bergman revealed that he had fallen victim to an elaborate scam after making a genuine $1 million donation to Team Water, a campaign spearheaded by YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober. Fraudsters lured him into a fake WhatsApp group, complete with fabricated profiles of high-profile entrepreneurs and influencers, convincing him to invest in what turned out to be a non-existent crypto project.

From shame to openness

Speaking to this newsroom, Mr Bergman recalled how the experience initially left him overwhelmed with shame – a feeling he knew all too well.

“When I was 20, I was scammed out of $3,000 by a friend. I kept it secret for years, and the shame felt worse than the money itself,” he said. “But I learnt that shame can only really live in the shadows. Once you admit it openly, it dissipates.”

That lesson shaped his response this time. Within days, he shared the story with family and friends, and soon after with a wider audience online.

I just got scammed for $1.25 million.

I feel ashamed and stupid.

This story starts with me getting a phone call from @MrBeast and @MarkRober .

They ask me to donate money @teamwater. To build wells in Africa and help people get clean water.

I'm surprised by their call. We've… pic.twitter.com/ZQkTSovtqz

— Erik Bergman (@smilingerik) August 29, 2025

The post went viral, with millions of views and messages of support – including one from a man who told Mr Bergman that reading it helped him out of suicidal thoughts.

“That really moved me,” Mr Bergman said. “If my story can give faith to someone who is suicidal, then I need to talk about it.”

The $100,000 reward

Shortly after Mr Bergman went public, MrBeast – the world’s most-followed YouTuber – announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those behind the scam.

“That gave me hope of actually finding these people and getting some kind of justice,” Mr Bergman explained. “The scammers made mistakes – they left traces. Someone sold them the phone numbers they used, for example. If that person realises they could earn $100,000 by coming forward, that could be the breakthrough.”

Since the reward was announced, he has received numerous leads and tips from around the world. One Maltese victim even reached out to share that he had been targeted in a similar scam, this time with fraudsters posing as senior iGaming executives.

Lessons for leaders

Reflecting on what leaders can take away from his experience, Mr Bergman stressed the importance of slowing down.

“I want to never make a financial decision with less than 72 hours’ notice,” he said. “If something is urgent, that’s often a red flag. And if I feel emotionally invested in an opportunity, I need to step back and let it sink in before acting.”

He also highlighted the danger of assuming one is “too smart” to fall for a scam. “I’ve built successful companies and spent my whole life online, but I still got caught. These scammers are skilled – it can happen to anyone.”

A call for awareness

Despite his personal loss, Mr Bergman sees meaning in sharing his story – both to reduce the stigma around scams and to raise awareness of their growing sophistication.

“I don’t just feel like a stupid victim anymore,” he said. “I feel like a vulnerable but brave soul talking about something that matters.”

Mr Bergman urged anyone interested to review the full chat logs and evidence he has published online. “It helps people understand how it happened – and it might help identify the perpetrators,” he said.

For those who want to examine the evidence or view the chat transcripts, visit his website.