A US-based social media influencer has been sentenced to six years in prison for operating a real estate investment scheme that prosecutors said functioned as a Ponzi operation.
The individual, identified as Tyler Bossetti, promoted investment opportunities through social media platforms, presenting them as short-term real estate deals with high returns. According to prosecutors, the scheme attracted more than $23 million from investors between 2019 and 2023.
Authorities stated that funds from new investors were used to pay earlier participants, a structure consistent with a Ponzi scheme. Court documents indicate that dozens of victims were affected, with total losses exceeding $11 million.
The scheme was marketed under the name “Boss Lifestyle,” which was promoted through online channels including video content and podcasts. Prosecutors said these promotions presented the investments as low risk while promising consistent returns.
In addition to wire fraud, the case involved tax-related offences. Authorities stated that false tax documents were filed as part of the scheme, including records that misrepresented investor income.
Bossetti pleaded guilty to charges connected to the operation prior to sentencing. The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio stated that enforcement actions targeted both financial fraud and violations of tax law linked to the case.
Investigators reported that the funds obtained through the scheme were used for personal expenses. These included travel, luxury purchases, and other non-investment-related spending, according to court findings cited in reporting.
The sentencing includes an order for restitution to victims. Court records indicate that the amount exceeds $12 million, although the total recovered funds have not been disclosed.
The case forms part of a broader pattern of enforcement actions involving financial schemes promoted through social media platforms. Authorities stated that such schemes often rely on online visibility and claims of high returns to attract investors, while concealing the underlying use of funds.
No additional defendants were named in connection with the sentencing. The investigation and related enforcement actions have concluded with the court’s ruling.