By Trendsetter Tribune 
LaShonda and Marlon Moore were convicted for running “Blessings in No Time,” a $25 million pyramid scheme that exploited more than 10,000 Americans, disproportionately affecting Black communities during COVID-19.
A massive federal jury victory in Sherman, Texas has pulled back the curtain on one of the most audacious pyramid schemes in recent history. LaShonda and Marlon Moore were convicted for orchestrating “Blessings in No Time” (BINT), a $25 million fraud that preyed on more than 10,000 people across the United States during one of the country’s most challenging periods: the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prosecutors described BINT as an intricate system disguised as a supportive community, offering participants promises that were impossible to keep—and devastating consequences for those who joined.
The Scheme Unmasked
According to evidence presented at trial, the Moores co-founded BINT in June 2020 and ran it through June 2021. Their marketing strategy leaned heavily on livestreamed weekly events, which drew thousands of participants eager to join a community framed as a lifeline during the economic shutdown.
Prospective members were told to pay at least $1,400 as a “blessing” with the promise of returns of up to 800 percent within weeks. The Moores guaranteed results, but the truth was far more sinister: BINT functioned like any pyramid scheme—only those at the top profited, and every “success” depended on recruiting new participants.
The system was organized using stacked “playing boards” with levels named Fire, Wind, Earth, and Water. When a board filled, the participant at the top received a payout exceeding $11,000, while those beneath were compelled to recruit additional members to continue the cycle.
“Every move was designed to enrich the Moores,” one prosecutor told the jury. “While participants hoped for financial relief, the couple siphoned off millions for themselves, leaving victims empty-handed.”
Exploiting Trust and Community
Federal investigators emphasized that the operation relied heavily on appearance and social trust. The Moores presented BINT as a legitimate, highly visible program, leveraging livestreams and public promotion to appear credible.
Authorities also highlighted the scheme’s disproportionate impact on Black communities, noting that the Moores deliberately used language of collective support and community uplift to gain trust. Many participants joined seeking relief during the financial instability caused by COVID-19, unaware they were stepping into a calculated trap.
By the time BINT collapsed, more than 10,000 victims nationwide had lost a combined total of over $25 million, many of them families already struggling during a global crisis.
The Verdict and Legal Consequences
The federal jury found LaShonda and Marlon Moore guilty on multiple counts:
- 1 count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- 5 counts of wire fraud
- 3 counts of money laundering
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but the charges carry significant prison time. Legal experts suggest that the Moores could face decades behind bars if the maximum penalties are applied.
“This conviction sends a powerful message,” said a federal prosecutor. “Pyramid schemes are illegal, exploitative, and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Lessons from BINT
The Blessings in No Time case underscores a recurring theme: financial schemes that prey on trust can thrive during times of fear and uncertainty. BINT capitalized on economic anxiety, social connections, and the promise of quick returns, exploiting cultural and community bonds in a way that masked its illegality.
Financial experts note that pyramid schemes often target communities with limited access to traditional financial guidance or those experiencing economic pressure. They warn that schemes like BINT are not just criminal—they are socially corrosive, eroding trust in legitimate financial institutions and leaving families in ruin.
“People think it’s a simple way to get ahead,” said one fraud investigator. “But the structure is designed so that most participants lose money, and only a small number at the top benefit.”
Broader Implications
The fallout from BINT may extend beyond the courtroom. Regulators and consumer protection groups are likely to increase scrutiny of online investment schemes and social-media-promoted financial programs, especially those that use the guise of community or cultural solidarity to lure participants.
Moreover, the case highlights the importance of financial literacy, particularly during periods of economic instability. Experts encourage individuals to research investment opportunities carefully, consult trusted financial advisors, and be wary of programs promising unusually high returns in a short time.
Conclusion
The conviction of LaShonda and Marlon Moore marks a rare victory against a large-scale financial fraud that exploited tens of thousands of Americans during a global crisis. Blessings in No Time is now a cautionary tale—a reminder that schemes promising wealth without work are almost always too good to be true.
As sentencing approaches, the broader conversation is clear: protecting communities from predatory financial schemes requires vigilance, transparency, and awareness. For the 10,000 victims of BINT, the hope is that justice serves not only as punishment but as a deterrent for those who would exploit trust for personal gain.