Gary and Anita Dorios felt inspired when they heard Ephren Taylor's investment pitch. Ephren, a self-proclaimed genius billionaire and the son of a pastor, held “‘faith-based investing”’ classes in churches in Georgia, Texas, and across the country. He said it was God’s work.

Soon, Gary and Anita unsuspectingly made ill-advised long-term investment decisions. Little did they know these seminars were designed to lure them into a Ponzi scheme that would overturn their lives.

When Gary and Anita expected a return, they were unable to reach Ephren. Turns out, he and his wife stole the money and disappeared. They all soon learned what Ephren had spent his money on music videos for his wife.

Ephren managed to swindle almost 16 million dollars from hundreds around the country. In 2015, the police arrested Ephren Taylor. In 2018, a judge ordered him to pay back the 16 million. Gary and Anita haven't seen a penny.

People like Gary and Anita Dorios invested their retirements and savings because they thought this was a legitimate investment, sponsored through their churches. Instead, their life was forever changed.

Listen to the full episode to catch details of the over $15 million-dollar, Christian Ponzi scheme.

Sources:

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• Ephren Taylor. (Dec, 29, 2009). Amandi Magazine. Ephren Taylor Wealth Tour Live at Community of Hope.
  
• Osunsami, S. and Hinman, K. (August, 2013). ABCNews.go. Ephren Taylor Accused of $11 Million Christian Ponzi Scheme by SEC.
  
• Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Georgia. March 17, 2015. Ephren Taylor Sentenced To Federal Prison.