Postal inspectors say she used sympathy to scam.
"She was sickly, she had leukemia and she is now looking to pay it forward and help people," explained U.S. Postal Inspector Carol Balke.
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Inspectors say Lizette Morice lured victims into her Ponzi scam by claiming to be a leukemia survivor on a mission to help others. But, it was all a lie. She never had leukemia.
"Her explanation was that she had this strong entrepreneurial background. She had a changed life and she was looking to turn it around and help people. And apparently she was very convincing," said Balke.
Once Morice had investors' attention, she told them all they needed to get involved was $1,000.
"It was a story of huge returns for $1000.00. That should raise your antenna right there," warned Balke.
Huge returns because Morice claimed $1,000 would buy investors a percentage of a piece of real estate. She would find the properties, pay the back taxes owed and then sell the house at market value. All investors would share in the profits.
"They recruited over 3,000 people in 15 months for $7 million," added Balke.
Inspectors say consumers need to be wary of any deal promising huge returns on a small investment.
"Be skeptical and get advice from people who have more knowledge of financial affairs," added Balke.
Meantime, Morice is now serving a 10-year sentence in prison.