Was BINT a Scam? Analyzing the Rise and Fall of the “Blessings in No Time” Pyramid Scheme

Marlon and LaShonda Moore entered the Atlanta business scene in 2020 with promises of easy wealth through their company “Blessings in No Time” (BINT). Over the next year, BINT grew into a $110 million operation reaching thousands of investors nationwide before its sudden collapse in 2021. This analysis examines the workings of the BINT scheme and what can be learned from its downfall.

The Origins of BINT

Very little is known about Marlon and LaShonda Moore’s backgrounds prior to launching BINT. According to their website and social media profiles, they portrayed themselves as successful entrepreneurs offering a new path to prosperity.

Through in-person gatherings and webinars across cities like Atlanta, Houston and Los Angeles, the Moores claimed BINT utilized a “charitable donations pooling” model. By contributing initial funds and recruitment commissions, members could earn generous returns far surpassing traditional markets. Intrigued by claims of 8x returns and “passive income,” many signed up.

Pyramid Scheme Dynamics

Closer inspection reveals BINT followed the classic structure of an illegal pyramid scheme. New members purchased starter “gift packaging” kits for hundreds to thousands of dollars. The only way to profit was recruiting others to do the same, with commissions paid using money from new recruits.

This model is unsustainable as each new member layer requires an exponentially larger number of total affiliates. With no legitimate product or function beyond recruitment incentive setups, BINT depended entirely on fresh cash inflows to fund payouts. Once growth stalled, as with all pyramid schemes, the whole system was destined to collapse.

Rapid Early Growth

Amid heightened economic fears due to COVID-19, the Moores found a prime audience. BINT testimonial videos spotlighted luxury purchases by early members embellishing extraordinary “returns.” Through slick social media campaigns targeting African American communities, many saw it as a community-driven opportunity for minorities.

By late 2020, geographical expansion occurred with decentralized “directors” managing regional affiliate teams. Events hosted with hip hop performers further built allure of exclusive wealth available through BINT. As thousands joined monthly, demands for status symbols fueled excessive displays of wealth across social channels by apparent BINT elites.

Early Cracks Appear

As more money poured in, pressure to uphold unsustainable recruitment payout rates grew immense. Complaints emerged from delayed or missing commissions owed to some affiliates. The Moores blamed technical glitches yet still hyped BINT non-stop online.

When individual members pressed for transparency, threatening complaint filings, more aggressive responses emerged. BINT support began banning questioning members from communications while promoting a siege mentality against “haters.” Lawsuits and regulatory actions slowly piled up across multiple states against the now $100 million+ enterprise by early 2021.

Collapse and Aftermath

On May 27th, 2021 the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division sued the Moores and BINT for operating an illegal pyramid scheme. A cease and desist order was issued pending trial. Surviving affiliates rushed online pouring outrage at lost “fortunes.”

In July 2022, a Texas court ruled the Moores must pay $10.76 million in restitution after finding BINT engaged in false, misleading and deceptive acts through its pyramid structure. However, affiliates reported little compensation actually materialized. Where the vast sums amassed by BINT ultimately went remains a mystery, leaving thousands in the lurch with mere social media riches.

Lessons From BINT’s Rise and Fall

The spectacular growth and downfall of BINT holds several notable lessons. In times of crisis, scams prey on desperation with fantastical promises. Minimal vetting and lavish displays fueled rapid affiliation. Lack of regulation in decentralized crypto schemes enables flies-by-night operations as well.

Most importantly, if an opportunity centers around endless recruitment with no real product or value exchange, it is almost certainly a pyramid. BINT shows the human costs of such deception yet also highlights ongoing needs for financial literacy and education against predatory schemes. While affiliates pursued dreams of wealth, the operation’s structure guaranteed failure from the beginning.

The Verdict – Another Pyramid Scheme Rises and Falls

After meticulously analyzing BINT’s origins, operations and fate, it is irrefutably a pyramid scheme by definition. No amount of promotional glitz could disguise an unsustainable model solely reliant on unending recruitment.

While preying on communities in dire financial times, the Moores amassed fortunes for themselves before the scheme collapsed, leaving thousands penniless. BINT served as another cautionary reminder of old tricks taking new forms to separate the desperate from their money. With so many lessons to offer, hopefully its downfall prevents others from similar deception and hardship in the future.