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priteva-blog · 4 months ago

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Investing in Deception: How Friendship, Love, and Ambition Fueled a $150,000 Scam

This is a story I find deeply triggering, one that I’ve struggled to tell. But in reliving it, there are lessons to be learned about the perils of misplaced trust and the high cost of blind loyalty. It’s a story of deception, ambition, and heartbreak — a cautionary tale about the dark side of supporting friends in their entrepreneurial dreams. For the sake of privacy, names have been changed to protect the innocent.

It was the spring of 2019 when my long-time friend, *Lauryn, came to me with a business opportunity. Lauryn and I had been close for over 15 years, our bond forged in the trenches of grad school and solidified by shared life experiences. When she pitched her idea to me, I didn’t hesitate to listen. She was more than a friend — she was my sister, and I was eager to see her succeed.

Lauryn had been through a lot. Two years earlier, she lost her husband, becoming a single mother to two young children at just 39. As a widow, she faced challenges that would have broken many, but Lauryn was resilient. She was rebuilding her life, and I was invested in her success. That’s why, when she approached me about reviving her wellness business, I was all in.

Lauryn was no novice in the health and wellness industry. She had owned a natural body care line, taught fitness classes, and dreamed of opening her own wellness center. She was knowledgeable, passionate, and ready to take her business to the next level. So, when she met Zacharia Ali — a financier, businessman, and investor — at our local LA Fitness, she believed it was a divine connection.

All Smoke and Mirrors

Zac was everything Lauryn needed at that moment — a businessman with a wealth of experience, or so it seemed. He offered her intimacy, mentorship, and guidance. Lauryn fell for him, both as a romantic partner and mentor. Zac carried himself with an air of authority, his words laced with the promise of success and prosperity. He spoke of his business accolades and widespread connections. He informed her that he was divorced, had sadly lost a child in a car accident, and had moved to the area for a fresh start. He was a practicing Muslim from a prominent family in Philadelphia. He was well-connected and had successfully launched many companies, and now he wanted to do the same for Lauryn.

The First Red Flag: Trust, but Verify

When Lauryn introduced me to Zac, I was initially impressed. He spoke with authority about entrepreneurship, investing, and the importance of ownership in the Black community. He even attended my birthday party, where we discussed his ventures in South America, the Middle East, and the African diaspora. Over time, Zac and I exchanged messages about business opportunities, and he seemed genuinely invested in our shared goals.

Zac became more than just Lauryn’s romantic partner and mentor; he became a central figure in our budding business venture. He offered to use his extensive network to help Lauryn relaunch her brand, promising to turn it into an international success. The plan was ambitious but enticing: we would create a line of CBD-infused skincare products, tapping into the booming wellness market. I was hesitant but hopeful. Lauryn’s trust in him reassured me. In hindsight, I should have let Lauryn and Zac work together without getting involved.

Despite my initial reservations, I convinced myself that Zac’s impressive background and Lauryn’s enthusiasm were enough to move forward. I researched Zac’s company, Zar Capital, and found nothing alarming — just websites and social media endorsements that aligned with his stories. But I ignored the small voice inside that urged caution.

The Second Red Flag: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

Despite my initial excitement, a nagging voice in the back of my mind urged caution. I researched Zac and his company, Zar Capital. His online presence seemed legitimate — impressive even. His website detailed his supposed business ventures in South America, the Middle East, and across the African diaspora. But beyond the polished surface, something felt off.

Still, Lauryn was convinced. Zac had become her rock, helping her navigate the complexities of business and life after loss. She believed in him, and because I believed in her, I put my doubts aside. Under Zac’s guidance, we formed a business partnership: Lauryn would hold 50% of the company, Zac 30%, and I would take a 20% stake. It seemed like a fair arrangement, and over the next few months, Lauryn and I made substantial investments via wire transfer, totaling $110,000. We were instructed to send the money to a Navy Federal account for GC Worldwide under the umbrella of Zac’s businesses, CBD Switch Holding Corp and Zar Capital.

Another Red Flag: All New Opportunities Are Not Good Opportunities — The Moringa Mirage

As if the CBD venture wasn’t enough, Zac presented me with another investment opportunity: a business centered around the Moringa plant in Ethiopia. He pitched it as low-risk, with the potential for high returns and the added appeal of supporting Black businesses in Africa. He presented me with diagrams, mocks, financials, a business plan, and extensive research. I invested $40,000, and we formed a company called the Moringa Cartel. Through documented email presentations, Zac promised to establish operations in Ghana, help with the business plan, and set up the website. I was excited about the prospects, but the excitement was short-lived.

Trust Your Gut

Once the money was sent and the paperwork signed, unease set in. I noticed discrepancies, like the fact that our business was registered in Nevada, even though we were all based in the Mid-Atlantic region. I decided to dig deeper, using the state of Nevada’s business portal, Silver Flume. What I found left me reeling: only the company formed between Lauryn, Zac, and me existed as a domestic corporation. My name wasn’t listed anywhere, and neither was Zac’s. Lauryn was the sole officer of the company. As for the Moringa Cartel, it was nothing more than a name reservation that had expired three months after its formation. On paper, my $100,000 investment had vanished into thin air.

“All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk”

The pandemic hit, bringing unforeseen challenges. Despite this, I consistently reached out to Zac for updates. I pleaded with Lauryn to help, assuming her closer relationship with Zac might yield answers. But her relationship with Zac had soured, and she informed me that her new venture with a national television show prevented her from pursuing any legal action for at least a year. I was on my own.

I demanded that Zac dissolve my participation in the business and return my funds. His response was vague, promising to return the money once his partner returned from overseas. But days turned into weeks, and I received nothing but silence. Then, instead of the money, I received a cease-and-desist letter — a blatant attempt to intimidate me. My attorney dismissed it as legally invalid, but the damage was done. I realized too late that I should have involved legal counsel from the start.

Desperate, I contacted the Prince George’s County Financial Crimes Division and met with a detective. Lauryn accompanied me, providing proof of her own financial losses. The detective initially suspected she and Zac were working together to scam me, but her evidence showed otherwise. Still, the State’s Attorney’s office couldn’t help; our losses, though significant to us, didn’t meet the threshold for prosecution.

The Aftermath

The full scope of Zac’s betrayal came to light when I discovered another woman who had fallen victim to his schemes. Through social media, I connected with a young lady on Facebook who had also been scammed by Zac. Her story mirrored Lauryn’s — she, too, had trusted him, invested in his ventures, and been left with nothing but broken promises. She had been physically and romantically involved. The end result was a broken heart and $60,000 poorer. Her story was both devastating and validating. We were not alone, but that did little to ease the pain.

In total, I had invested $100,000 — $60,000 in the CBD skincare line and $40,000 in the Moringa Cartel. But the financial loss was just one part of the devastation. The betrayal cut deeper. Lauryn, the sister I had trusted implicitly, had unknowingly led me into the arms of a predator. Zac had exploited her vulnerability, using our friendship as a tool to manipulate and deceive.

I was left with nothing — no money, no business, and no means of contacting Zac. Emails bounced back, texts went unread, and calls went straight to voicemail. I had been swindled out of $100,000, and there was no way to recover it. Heartbroken, Lauryn had lost $50,000 and wanted nothing more to do with the situation.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, the signs were there. But I ignored them, blinded by the desire to support a friend in need and the allure of a promising business opportunity. I’ve since learned the hard way that when something seems too good to be true, it usually is. In the end, I had to come to terms with the trauma of losing everything because I let my desire to help a friend cloud my judgment. I was emotionally invested in Lauryn’s well-being, but I failed to do my due diligence on Zac. I trusted blindly and paid a heavy price.

Conclusion

In the end, the story isn’t just about a lost investment or a failed business venture. It’s about the importance of critical thinking, the danger of blind loyalty, and the painful reality that not everyone who enters your life has good intentions. I was betrayed by a man I barely knew, but also by my own willingness to believe in the impossible.

Let this be a reminder: Protect your dreams but protect your heart and your wallet even more. This experience has left me scarred, but it has also made me wiser. I share this story not to shame myself or Lauryn, but to warn others. In the world of business, and in life, there are those who will prey on your goodwill and ambition. The best defense is vigilance — ask questions, trust your instincts, and never let excitement cloud your judgment.

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technicallyhappyarcade · 1 year ago

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Tips for Maintaining Your Home Gym Flooring

Home Gym Flooring: We receive free products and commissions through our links. See the disclosures page.

Whether you're on the cusp of starting your home gym or worried about your equipment's lifespan due to your lack of proper flooring, you're not alone. And while aesthetics certainly play a part, the wrong flooring can be a severe hazard. It can damage your gym equipment or your floor or increase your risk of injury.

Before starting my home gym, I spent hours researching and sifting through several options. I tried to find the best home gym flooring to withstand heavy weights, high-intensity cardio workouts, and everything in between.

This article compiles exhaustive research and my experience training on different types of flooring in commercial gyms to guide you through the choices and help you invest in a flooring solution that's right for you.

How We Chose the Best Home Gym Flooring

We chose the best home gym flooring options by carefully analyzing various factors. We needed to give many options based on different exercise styles, including bodyweight training, yoga, CrossFit, and powerlifting.

We also wanted to ensure our choices reflected a range of budgets to accommodate those who wish for the best value. That said, we included some higher-end brands (like Second Skin) for those willing and able to pay more for higher quality and durability.

Finally, we included different types of flooring for the many home workout environments that home gym owners would have (concrete, carpet, and hardwood) to ensure the list represents the best options.

Our Top Picks for the Best Home Gym Flooring

Best Home Gym Flooring Overall: Rubber Flooring Inc. 8mm Strong Rubber Roll

Pros

Free custom-cutting to any length over 15 feet (rounded to the nearest foot) with 20 color-fleck variations is available

There is a five-year warranty on standard color options and a 25-year warranty on the Biggie SmallzTM colors

30-day money-back guarantee

USA-made

Eco-friendly and mainly made from recycled rubber materials

Cons

It may have a rubber odor when it first arrives

DIY installation may be challenging for some

The rolls may curl or shift slightly over time

When outfitting your space with the best home gym flooring, the Rubber Flooring Inc. 8mm Strong Rubber Roll is the ideal choice.

Unlike most flooring rolls that come in preset increments only (like 15, 50, or 100 feet), the 8mm Strong Rubber Roll can be ordered in one-foot increments starting at 15 feet. For example, if your space is precisely 17 feet long, you can request that exact amount. Rubber Flooring Inc. will even custom-cut it for free and give you a couple of extra inches on each roll, just in case.

This feature is underrated. With other companies, custom cuts aren't available, so you'd be forced to buy a single 15-foot roll and leave two feet of your floor incomplete or pay for two 15-foot rolls to cover the entire workout space just to be stuck with a bunch of leftover material.

The roll is available in 20 different color variations, from classic black to lipstick red, so that you can add some pizzazz to your rubber gym flooring.

The 8mm Strong Rubber Roll is made in the USA, which appeals to those who want to support the American economy and value the higher standards that American manufacturing must meet. Rubber Flooring Inc. offers a five-year warranty on standard colors and an impressive 25-year warranty on its Biggie Smallz™ colors, one of the best warranties I've ever encountered for rubber gym flooring. Plus, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for customers in the United States and Canada.

It will most likely emit a rubber odor at first since it's mostly made from recycled rubber. The smell can be unpleasant, but to reduce it, you can air out the rubber roll and clean it with a mild soap and water solution before installation.

The installation might be a hurdle if you have yet to DIY experience. I did find the video in the company's "Install Info" helpful. However, you'll still need a good understanding of essential tools (measuring tape, t-square, and utility knife) and fundamental construction principles. If you have no experience in this field, calling a professional would be brilliant.

Lastly, the rubber roll may curl or shift slightly with drastic temperature changes or if heavy things get dragged across it, like a fully loaded bumper plate tree. You can use double-sided tape to secure the rubber roll sticks to the floor to prevent this.

Best Rubber Flooring for Home Gyms: Second Skin Stomp Roll

Second Skin Stomp Roll

Material: Recycled rubber

Dimensions: 4' W x 15', 25', or 50' L

Thickness: ¼ inch, eight millimeters, ⅜ inch, ½ inch, or ¾ inch

Suitable for: General fitness, HIIT, powerlifting, and Olympic weightlifting

Check Price

Pros

Five thicknesses that are suitable for low- to high-impact activities

Includes noise-reducing technology

It has a mild odor

USA-made

Made from recycled rubber materials

Cons

Only available in black

Custom cuts cost extra

DIY installation may be difficult

Consider the Second Skin Stomp Roll if you are looking for rubber flooring that can reduce noise and vibration from your home gym equipment.

Second Skin was initially known for auto and audio soundproofing, but many of its products are also used in gyms due to their excellent noise and vibration dampening. This distinctive feature makes the Stomp Roll a solid choice for home gyms where quieter workouts are essential due to shared living spaces or the sleep schedules of young children.

With five different thicknesses, you're almost guaranteed to find one suitable for your exercise style. The quarter-inch thickness is excellent to place under any of the best treadmills or for bodyweight training, while the ¾-inch thickness is ideal for general weight training and HIIT. If powerlifting, CrossFit, or Olympic weightlifting is more your style, the ¾-inch thickness can provide enough protection for your floor when placed on top of plywood, like on a lifting platform.

Despite being made from old tires, Stomp Roll's product page claims an "extremely mild odor." I can't confirm the strength of its smell, but if true, this is a significant advantage over the many rubber flooring options that tend to off-gas unpleasant odors for weeks after installation. Having near-odorless flooring can make a difference for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions (even just a sensitivity to scents in general).

If adding flair to your rubber gym flooring is essential, you'll be disappointed that the Stomp Roll is only offered in black.

Furthermore, unlike the Rubber Flooring Inc. 8mm Strong Rubber Roll mentioned previously, custom cuts of the Stomp Roll cost extra. Custom lengths are "available on request," one customer even left a review saying, "I had a very custom project... They cut my pieces exactly as I requested at a fair price."

While it's great to know that you can get custom lengths other than the default 15-, 25-, and 50-foot lengths, I would be more impressed to see them offered at no extra charge.

The Stomp Roll installation process is simple but requires basic DIY skills and understanding. If you're uncomfortable with self-installation, a professional's help may be necessary but will add to the overall cost. Keep this in mind, especially if you prefer a hassle-free setup.

Best Home Gym Flooring Over Concrete: Rogue Power Platform

Rogue Power Platform

Material: Recycled rubber

Dimensions: 90” W x 72” L

Thickness: ¾ inch (19 millimeters)

Suitable for: General weight lifting, HIIT, CrossFit

Check Price

Pros

The diamond-pattern top gives a good grip even when slick

It can be used indoors or outdoors

The ¾-inch thickness and waffle-pattern impact zones minimize noise and vibrations

Easy installation due to the interlocking design

Made in the USA

Eco-friendly

Cons

The fixed size might not suit all gym spaces, and trimming it might damage the interlocking mat system

Expensive compared to budget-friendly alternatives

Potentially unstable with weighty weights

The Rogue Power Platform is an excellent flooring choice for anyone with a concrete floor because of its durable rubber construction and waffle-pattern impact zones. The diamond-pattern top layer also gives it a better grip even in slick conditions, which is excellent for those who prefer to have their home gym outside and work out in humid conditions.

RELATED: The Dangers of Outside Workouts

The ¾-inch thickness is durable, making it ideal for general weight lifting, HIIT, and CrossFit. The waffle-pattern impact zones dampen noise and vibrations, which helps keep your concrete floor protected and your neighbors happy.

While it might seem extra-wide, the 90-inch width ensures that every weight plate on your favorite Olympic barbell will be supported, with three inches on each side to account for occasional sideways movement. The default 72-inch length is surprisingly roomy and can accommodate two barbell setups for you and your workout partner when doing controlled exercises like deadlifts or rows.

The mats feature a modular, loose-lay interlocking system and sections with beveled edges. Installation is relatively straightforward, with no adhesive required. This is a significant relief for those who could be more DIY-knowledgeable.

However, its 72″ x 90″ footprint may not suit all spaces, and trimming it might damage the interlocking mat system.

If you're into Olympic lifting, there are better choices than the Power Platform. At 72" long, this is the minimal length you should accept for weightlifting. While it technically could work, your feet could land beyond the perimeter of the platform during a split jerk if you have long legs. In the event of a bailed lift, it's only a matter of time before a failed snatch or clean and jerk lands off the platform and damages your floor. The Rogue 8' x 8' Oly Platform is a better option for Oly lifting.

The Power Platform is also more costly at $399 compared to budget-friendly alternatives like 4' x 6' horse stall mats from Tractor Supply, where a single mat can be found for around $60. Two horse stall mats would total roughly $120 and, when joined together, would offer a bigger platform for less than half the cost.

Finally, the platform might need to be more stable with ultra-heavy weights due to the rubber material. After all, there's a reason why lifting platforms usually have a centerpiece made out of wood—it's more firm than a rubber surface. While this would probably be unnoticeable with light to moderate weights, it's worth pointing out for those who want to lift heavy.

Best Home Gym Flooring Over Carpet: Second Skin Stomp Mat

Second Skin Stomp Mat

Material: Recycled rubber

Dimensions: 4’ W x 6’ L

Thickness: ¼ or ½ inch

Suitable for: Bodyweight training, general weight lifting, HIIT

Check Price

Pros

Shock-absorbing properties protect your floor from damage, whether it's from a treadmill or barbell

Includes noise-reducing technology

Installation is a breeze

No adhesive needed

USA-made

Eco-friendly

Cons

No ¾-inch thickness

Costly

Even when weighed down by heavy equipment, these mats can shift slightly over time

The Stomp Mat offers several advantages, making it the most appealing choice and the best home gym flooring option to place over carpet. Its shock absorption capabilities safeguard your carpet fibers from getting torn up while protecting your existing subfloor from damage.

The ¼-inch mat weighs 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) and provides excellent noise reduction, making it a great option for supporting standalone exercise equipment like a high-quality rowing machine or treadmill. The machine's weight on top of the mat keeps it in place. The ½-inch thick mat, on the other hand, weighs 60 pounds (27.3 kilograms) and offers even more sound isolation and flooring protection.

The Stomp Mat lacks a ¾-inch thickness option. This limits its suitability for powerlifting-style training because it may not be able to handle significantly heavier weights. It's also not an excellent choice for Olympic lifting or CrossFit because the thinner options won't withstand repeated weight drops from overhead.

Additionally, it's relatively costly compared to budget options. The ¼-inch mat is priced at around $99.99, and the ½-inch mat costs around $179.99. A ¾-inch horse stall mat from Tractor Supply Co. costs about $60, offering more thickness at a lower price.

Installation is a breeze because it's a mat instead of a roll. Lay it over your carpet and place your equipment on top, or get lifting.

Technically, you don't need adhesive, but double-sided flooring (carpet) tape or rubber adhesive applied around the edges of the mat is a wise choice. Even when weighed down by heavy-duty cardio machines, these mats can shift slightly over time. Using multiple mats, you can place mending plates under the mats where their seams join to keep them from separating over time.

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