Sadly I think the people behind these activities are well hidden and making fortunes while the thousands following along will at some point get burned really bad. Most will be those least able to afford it. This is just an exaggerated ploy used by brokerages and stock pickers all the time. Make a statement that gets interest in a stock you own many shares in. Watch the price go up as people bid to try and beat the rush, then cash out when you think it hit the apex and leave everyone else holding the bag as the stock tanks.