Ohio 'Finfluencer' Gets 6 Years for $23M Ponzi Scheme

Tyler Bossetti scammed dozens of investors through his 'Boss Lifestyle' real estate investment program.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, torn promissory note lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of this financial crime case.The harsh flash photography of a damaged financial document symbolizes the stark realities of a social media-fueled Ponzi scheme that devastated the lives of dozens of victims.Columbus Today

Tyler Bossetti, a 31-year-old real estate 'finfluencer' from Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for orchestrating a $23 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded dozens of investors across the U.S. and internationally. Bossetti pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aiding in a false tax filing after promising victims extraordinarily high returns on real estate investments through his 'Boss Lifestyle' program, which he promoted on social media.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing risks of financial advice and investment opportunities promoted by unregulated social media 'finfluencers,' who can easily exploit unsuspecting followers. It also underscores the need for greater scrutiny and oversight of these types of online investment schemes, especially as they become more prevalent among younger generations.

The details

According to court documents, Bossetti secured over $23 million in funding from victim investors by falsely promising 30% or higher returns on real estate investments. Instead of using the funds as promised, Bossetti diverted the money to support his lavish lifestyle, including a $150,000 Mercedes-Benz SUV, frequent travel, and unauthorized cryptocurrency investments. Bossetti also issued fraudulent 1099-INT tax forms to report interest income that investors had not actually earned.

  • Bossetti operated his 'Boss Lifestyle' Ponzi scheme from 2019 to 2023.
  • Bossetti was charged by a bill of information in April 2025 and pleaded guilty in June 2025.

The players

Tyler Bossetti

A 31-year-old real estate 'finfluencer' from Columbus, Ohio who orchestrated a $23 million Ponzi scheme through his 'Boss Lifestyle' investment program.

Dominick Gerace

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio who called the case a reminder of the consequences for tax fraud and other financial crimes.

Michael Hunter

Bossetti's attorney, who stated that Bossetti is 'deeply remorseful' and committed to making restitution to his victims.

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What they’re saying

“There's not a day that goes by that we don't think about bankruptcy. We live in constant fear that the next bill won't be able to be paid. It was a deliberate decision to take a lifetime of security away from people who provided security to so many others.”

— Ryan Clark, Victim

“He didn't just steal the money—he turned our lives upside down.”

— Michael Ringhoffer, Victim

“I have no doubt you knew what you were doing and anticipated the result you received. What you didn't anticipate is that you would get caught. Like all Ponzi schemers, you thought you'd be one step ahead of the person looking to cash out.”

— Judge Algenon Marbley, U.S. District Court Judge

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Tyler Bossetti out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing risks of financial advice and investment opportunities promoted by unregulated social media 'finfluencers' who can easily exploit unsuspecting followers. It underscores the need for greater scrutiny and oversight of these types of online investment schemes, especially as they become more prevalent among younger generations.