Is pump-and-dump profitable?

Could you please elaborate on the profitability of pump-and-dump schemes in the cryptocurrency market? Do they really offer significant returns, or are they just high-risk gambles? How does this strategy actually work, and what are the potential pitfalls investors might encounter? Is it sustainable in the long run, or is it more of a short-term speculative game? Could you provide some insights on the legality and ethical implications of participating in such schemes? Thank you for your input.