Tai Lopez—the guy who once sold you “knowledge” from his garage—is back in the headlines, but not for another viral YouTube ad.
This time, he and his business partner Alex Mehr stand accused of running a $112 million Ponzi scheme through Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV), the company that bought up nostalgic brands like RadioShack, Pier 1 Imports, and Modell’s.
In this episode of ALL IN Miami, we break down:
🛒 The acquisitions: How REV scooped up bankrupt giants like RadioShack, Pier 1, Dress Barn, and Modell’s.
💰 The allegations: SEC claims they misled investors with promises of strong cash flow and “on fire” growth.
🔄 Ponzi mechanics: Millions in “returns” allegedly paid with money from new investors, not profits.
🧑💼 The cast of characters: COO Maya Burkenroad, Lopez’s cousin, accused of aiding the scheme despite a résumé that didn’t match the hype.
🚨 The lesson: When hype, hustle culture, and nostalgia collide, investors can get burned.
This isn’t just another retail bankruptcy story—it’s a scandal that mixes internet celebrity, investor trust, and some of America’s most iconic brands.
If you ever want to buy or sell a property anywhere in the world, our team would be honored to help get you to your next destination.
Until next time, stay curious, stay hungry, and as always… stay ALL IN!
Amit Bhuta
COMPASS
ALL IN Miami Group
Licensed Real Estate Agent
(305) 439-3031 Mobile
amit.bhuta@compass.com
ALLinMiami.com
