HyperFund Review (2026): Inside the $1.7 Billion Crypto Membership Scheme

HyperFund in One Minute

HyperFund sold crypto "membership" packages that promised high returns. It was later rebranded and also marketed as HyperVerse and HyperNation. In January 2024 the SEC charged founder Xue Lee (Sam Lee) and promoter Brenda Chunga, alleging a pyramid scheme that raised more than $1.7 billion. Federal prosecutors filed parallel criminal charges, and Chunga pleaded guilty.

How It Was Pitched

Promoters claimed returns came from crypto mining and from associations with a Fortune 500 company. Members earned rewards and recruited others with the promise of passive daily income.

Where the HyperFund Case Stands

Federal prosecutors in Maryland charged three people in January 2024 over what they called a $1.89 billion fraud from June 2020 to November 2022. Co-founder Sam Lee, an Australian living in the UAE, was indicted. Promoter Brenda Chunga pleaded guilty and admitted receiving at least $3 million. Promoter Rodney Burton, known as "Bitcoin Rodney," was charged with running an unlicensed money transmitting business. Charges are allegations until proven.

HyperFund, HyperVerse and HyperNation

The scheme was marketed under several names. HyperFund sold "membership" packages with daily rewards; later branding as HyperVerse added a metaverse story and a token; HyperNation followed. Rebranding gave promoters something new to pitch while existing members struggled to withdraw. The SEC says the common thread was that rewards came from new investors' money, not real revenue.

What the SEC Alleges

The SEC says HyperFund had no real source of revenue other than investor money. When it collapsed in 2022, investors couldn't withdraw. Chunga, known online as "Bitcoin Beautee," settled the SEC charges and pleaded guilty in the criminal case; the claims against Lee are being litigated.

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The Rebrand Pattern

When withdrawal problems start, schemes often rename themselves, launch a new token or move members to a "new platform." A rebrand that comes with withdrawal limits is a sign to stop putting money in.

Red Flags It Showed

• Promised passive daily returns
• Vague "mining" revenue
• Claimed ties to famous companies
• Repeated rebrands and withdrawal limits

What HyperFund Teaches About Checking an Offer

1. Ask for proof of the mining or revenue behind "membership" rewards.
2. Be skeptical of claimed partnerships with famous companies.
3. Treat rebrands and new tokens during withdrawal problems as warnings.
4. Check whether promoters are paid mainly for recruiting.
5. Look up the founder's history before investing.

See the patterns across 12 real cases in our crypto Ponzi scheme red flags guide.

If You Held HyperFund or HyperVerse

HyperFund stopped allowing withdrawals in 2022. The SEC and federal prosecutors in Maryland brought cases in 2024; watch those cases for any official claims process. Be wary of offers to migrate balances to a new platform, which can be a second scam. Report losses to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC.

A Steadier Way to Protect Savings

Schemes like this prey on people looking for fast returns. Some savers prefer slower, tangible assets for part of their retirement money. Our top pick, Augusta Precious Metals, offers a free guide to the sales tactics retirement savers should watch for; our budget pick Noble Gold offers a free economic-crisis guide. Precious metals carry their own risks and costs.

Was HyperFund Legit?

No. The SEC alleges it was a pyramid scheme with no real revenue, and a top promoter pleaded guilty to criminal charges.

Pros and Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Verdict on HyperFund

Walk away from any "membership" promising daily crypto income, whatever it's called.

Precious metals prices can fall as well as rise, and a gold IRA carries setup, custody and storage fees. This page is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Consider speaking with a licensed financial professional before moving retirement savings.