Behind the Scams

Introduction In this episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue uncover one of the most elaborate cryptocurrency frauds in recent memory: Praetorian Group International (PGI), led by Ramil Ventura Palafox. At its height, PGI boasted more than 90,000 investors worldwide and promised daily returns of 0.5% to 3%. In reality, it was a sophisticated Ponzi scheme that siphoned off over $200 million. Investors were lured in by flashy events, luxury cars, and fake licensing claims. This blog-style recap dives into the details, the psychology of the scam, and the lessons you can take away to protect yourself. A Global Ponzi Scheme Dressed as Crypto Between 2019 and 2021, PGI pitched itself as a cutting-edge bitcoin investment platform. In reality, it was a multilevel marketing pyramid disguised as crypto trading. The scope was staggering. Investors came not only from the United States but also from the Philippines, Canada, Australia, and Europe. Wire transfers crisscrossed between Las Vegas, the Philippines, and other international accounts. PGI’s marketing strategy leaned on social pressure. Master distributors recruited new investors, who in turn recruited others, feeding the cycle. The False Promise of Daily Returns PGI guaranteed investors daily returns between 0.5% and 3%. Even at the low end, this added up to 180% annually—more than ten times the average long-term return of the S&P 500. No legitimate investment can sustain such figures. Yet thousands believed it, reassured by PGI’s elaborate explanations about trading algorithms and pooled investor funds. Luxury and Theatrics as a Selling Point One of the defining features of PGI was the spectacle. Investor events in Dubai penthouses, Las Vegas suites, and yachts were designed to overwhelm skepticism. Palafox even used a cash cannon to spray money into crowds. The forfeiture list reveals just how investor money was spent: Over 20 high-end cars, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, and McLarens. Hundreds of Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton handbags. Jewelry and watches, including Rolexes, Cartier, and Hublot. Every purchase was made with investor money, while victims believed their accounts were compounding daily. Technology as a Tool of Deception To reinforce the illusion, PGI built an online investor portal. Investors could log in and see their balances steadily increasing. The portal displayed fabricated charts and transaction histories that appeared professional and convincing. For many, this daily reinforcement was enough to silence doubt and encourage further investment. How It Fell Apart By early 2021, withdrawal problems emerged. Investors were told PGI was experiencing technical difficulties with its payment processors. When delays stretched into months, Palafox reassured them with promises of new payment partners—classic “lulling statements” designed to buy time. The reality was that PGI no longer had sufficient funds. New investor money was used to pay earlier investors while millions were siphoned into Palafox’s personal accounts. <... Chapters (00:00:01) - Behind the Scams: The Crypto Ponzi Scheme(00:01:11) - The Crypto Ponzi Scam(00:03:35) - Bitcoin Scammer Arrested in Las Vegas(00:06:58) - PGI Scam: How They Got Investors to Invest(00:08:42) - Floyd Palafox Was Living Like A Rap Star(00:14:57) - Palafox Faces 8 Counts in Fraud Case(00:20:24) - FlipCoin Scam: What Investors Need to Know(00:25:51) - Ponzi Scam: How To Catch a Scammer(00:33:47) - How to Get Your Money Back in Fraud Cases(00:35:13) - Asset Forfeiture(00:35:48) - What to Do If Scammer Is Trying to Get You to(00:40:26) - What Kind of Prison Time Might Palafox Get for His Fraud(00:42:49) - Scammering Investors: What You Need to Know(00:43:51) - Fraud 2.0: The PGI Case(00:45:12) - Fraud Checklist(00:46:27) - Red Flags of Investment Scams(00:49:12) - Behind the Scams(00:50:44) - Deep Dive into Crypto Scams

In this powerful episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue uncover the shocking betrayal behind the romance scam that devastated the widow of country music legend George Jones. Known as one of the greatest voices in country music history, George left behind a vast estate, music royalties, and a museum dedicated to his legacy. But after his passing in 2013, his widow Nancy Jones became the target of a career con artist who stole more than $12 million through a calculated twelve-year deception. We dive deep into how scammer Kirk Leipzig (alias Kirk West) insinuated himself into Nancy’s life, eventually gaining control over aspects of the George Jones estate and museum, while manipulating her into cash withdrawals and fraudulent cryptocurrency “investments.” This wasn’t just financial theft — it was the systematic exploitation of grief, trust, and the cultural legacy George Jones left behind. Listeners will learn: How romance scammers exploit vulnerability after loss to gain trust. Why even the widow of a music icon wasn’t immune from sophisticated financial predators. The role of cryptocurrency fraud in modern scams, making recovery even harder. Practical steps families can take to protect themselves and loved ones from romance and investment scams. George Jones’ music touched millions, but this story reveals how his legacy was hijacked by manipulation and fraud. Nancy’s heartbreaking experience is a lesson for all: romance scams don’t just destroy finances — they rob victims of trust, peace of mind, and sometimes entire cultural legacies. Listen now to Behind the Scams, available on all major podcast platforms and at StampOutScams.org. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Grisly Romance Scam(00:01:45) - Scams: Kirk Leipzig Case(00:04:16) - How He Stole Money From Country Singer Nancy Jones(00:10:41) - Kirk Leipzig Arrested in the Philippines(00:12:37) - What Drives a Financial Predator to Destroy a Couple's Life(00:17:14) - Crypto Investment Red flags(00:18:38) - Elder Fraud Scam(00:24:57) - What Family Members Can Do to Stop Scammer Kirk Leip(00:31:21) - How To Spot a Romance Scam...(00:33:05) - Behind The Scams: Private Investigators(00:33:57) - Behind the Scams: Kirk Leipzig

This is Part 2 of Behind the Scams: Liquid Assets or Mirage? — a deep dive into how the Water Station Ponzi scheme collapsed under the weight of federal prosecution. In Part 1, we revealed how Ryan Wear convinced ordinary investors, including veterans, to buy into his water-vending empire. Promises of reliable monthly returns gave way to phantom machines, recycled sales claims, and a financial mirage that left victims high and dry. Catch up on Part 1 here. Part 2 takes the story further—straight into the courts. Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New Yorkunsealed a federal indictment charging Ryan Wear with securities and wire fraud, tied to a massive $275 million Ponzi scheme. His co-conspirator, Jordan Chirico, a former portfolio manager at Jefferies’ Leucadia Asset Management, was indicted for securities and investment adviser fraud. Prosecutors allege Chirico funneled $107 million into Water Station bonds while concealing his personal stake and collecting undisclosed referral fees. The SEC filed parallel civil charges, while creditors forced the company into involuntary bankruptcy. Court documents revealed grossly inflated claims—Water Station bragged of more than 17,000 operating machines when fewer than 1,700 existed. The fallout extended to hedge funds, institutional investors, and countless individuals who trusted the pitch. This episode covers: The federal indictment and SEC case against Wear and Chirico How $275 million was siphoned through fabricated reports and fake machines Bankruptcy filings and investor lawsuits that exposed the fraud Key lessons on investor protection and spotting the red flags of a Ponzi scheme Tune in now to learn how greed, deception, and conflicts of interest turned a basic water-vending concept into one of the largest Ponzi schemes in recent memory. Chapters (00:00:01) - Jordan Chirico Sold Phantom Water Machines and Corrupted Investors(00:06:52) - Jordan Chirico's Role in the Water Station Fraud Case(00:15:08) - Jordan Chirico Admits He Helped Ryan Ware In The(00:22:32) - Jordan Chirico Colluded with Ryan Ware to Prioritize(00:28:35) - Jordan Chirico Exploited Fraud in Water Station Bond Sale(00:34:19) - The 352 Fund Ponzi Scam(00:38:40) - Ryan Ware and Jordan Chirico: The Criminal Charges(00:40:59) - Jordan Chirico Was Charged With Investment Advisor Fraud(00:47:04) - Jordan Chirico Convicted of Fraud(00:49:11) - Another Scammer's Advice

Table of Contents Toggle Behind the Scams BlogCast: The Water ScamIntroduction A Mirage in the Desert: The Fool’s Gold of Water Vending Machine Investment FraudMusical Chairs with Collateral: How One Snack Machine Had 25 Owners and a Bank LoanPassive Income? More like Passive Aggressive: The Mirage of Returns and Investor FatigueFrom PowerPoint to Portfolio: Bonds, Big Investors, and Bigger Lies ($275 Million Ponzi Scheme Details)Big Investors, Bigger Red FlagsCollateral: The Comedy of “Secured” Bonds

Liquid Lies: The $200 Million Water Station Scam – Part One What if you could invest in a simple water vending machine for $8,500 and watch the profits roll in every month? That’s the promise Ryan Wear made to thousands of investors through his company, Water Station Management LLC. On paper, it looked like the perfect passive income stream. In reality, it was one of the boldest frauds in recent memory. In this first part of a two-episode Behind the Scams investigation, we uncover how Wear built a Ponzi scheme out of phantom machines, fake serial numbers, and inflated revenue reports. Early investors were promised ownership of cutting-edge “WST-700” water machines, but many of those machines didn’t exist. Some were even sold multiple times, while others were nothing more than ordinary snack machines dressed up as high-tech assets. The Water Station scam didn’t just hurt casual investors. Many victims were military veterans searching for safe, reliable ways to grow their savings. Instead, their money was siphoned into a house of cards that eventually collapsed under its own lies. This is a true story ripped straight from a federal indictment out of the Southern District of New York. In Part One, we set the stage for how the scheme began and why it spread so quickly. In Part Two, we’ll follow the money even deeper, as insider conflicts and shady bond deals push this fraud into uncharted territory. Chapters (00:00:00) - Inside The $200 Million Water Station Scam(00:01:40) - Water Station Management Scam: $200 Million in Fraud(00:08:19) - Ryan Ware's Ponzi Scheme(00:13:43) - Ryan Ware's Next Move: A Bond Offerment(00:18:54) - Ryan Ware's elaborate Ponzi Scheme(00:24:57) - Ryan Ware on His Role in Water Station Fraud(00:27:35) - Jordan Chirico: The Real Story Behind Water Station(00:29:19) - Jordan Chirico's Connection to the Water Stake Fraud(00:32:02) - Jordan Chirico's Interference with Water Station(00:34:37) - Leucadia Asset Management Employee Conflicts of Interest(00:38:25) - Jordan Chirico Exploited His Personal Interest in Water Station(00:43:34) - Jordan Chirico Forced His Fund to Invest in Water Station(00:50:39) - Jordan Chirico's Plan to Sell His Own Water Machine(00:52:08) - Part 2: The Conflicts of Interest of Ryan Ware

A Hidden Criminal Empire In this gripping episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick and Sue expose the shocking reality of scam farms — sprawling criminal compounds in Southeast Asia where human trafficking and organized cybercrime converge. These aren’t isolated fraudsters working from home. They’re large-scale operations that generate billions in stolen funds while exploiting thousands of trafficked individuals. From Fake Job Offers to Forced Labor The pipeline into these scam farms begins with deceptive job advertisements that promise high salaries and prestigious roles abroad. Once recruited, victims quickly find themselves trapped — their passports confiscated, movements restricted, and lives controlled by armed guards. Inside, they endure: 12–16 hour workdays under constant surveillance Strict scam quotas with severe punishments for failure Physical abuse and psychological manipulation Threats against themselves and their families The Scams Run from Inside the Compounds Victims are coerced into perpetrating a variety of frauds, including: Pig Butchering A long-term con in which criminals build trust — often posing as romantic partners or investment mentors — before introducing fake cryptocurrency platforms. Victims see fabricated “profits” to encourage larger investments until their accounts are drained. Romance Scams Emotional manipulation to convince victims to send money under the guise of love or crisis support. Tech Support Scams Posing as representatives from major tech companies, scammers claim a victim’s computer is infected to gain remote access and steal funds or data. Dual Victimhood: When the Scammer is Also a Victim Nick and Sue explore the complex concept of dual victimhood — the fact that the person contacting you with a scam may also be a trafficking victim. These individuals are often coerced into scams under threat of violence, making them both perpetrators and victims. The true masterminds are organized crime syndicates that profit from both the exploitation of human labor and the billions stolen from scam targets. Why Scam Farms Are So Hard to Shut Down Dismantling scam farms is a massive challenge due to: Jurisdictional loopholes in border regions like M... Chapters (00:00:00) - Behind the Scams(00:00:44) - Scam farms are linked to human trafficking(00:08:56) - The Rohingya War's Human Cost(00:09:58) - How Fake Job Admins Get Jobs(00:11:05) - How to Get Out of Forced Labor(00:14:53) - Trafficked Scam Victims: What's It Like Working For(00:19:37) - How Human Trafficking Is Generating $7 Billion(00:23:53) - Crypto Scam Hubs: The Global Financial Toll(00:27:36) - Why Can't They Stop These Scams?(00:33:13) - What's the Reality for Trafficked Women?(00:37:52) - Scammer vs Trafficked Person: Dual Victimhood(00:43:24) - Five Red Flags for Job Scammering(00:49:56) - 7 Red Flags That Scammers Are Using Crypto Scams(00:55:25) - Five Tips for Fighting Scam Trafficking(00:57:26) - What else can we do to prevent human trafficking?(01:00:48) - Behind The Scams: The World of Scams(01:04:48) - Fighting Human Trafficking Scams

  Table of Contents Toggle BlogCast: From Audio to InsightIntroduction: A Humanitarian Crisis!How Tech Dreams Morph Into Traps: The Lure and Snare of Scam FarmsThe Bait: High Salaries and Free TravelThe Trap: From Arrival to EnslavementWho Falls Victim? Vulnerability and AspirationThe Machinery of Deception: How Fraud Factories OperateBeyond Borders: A Growing, Hidden CrisisInside the Compounds: Daily Life, Control, and Modern SlaveryLocked Down and Cut Off: Living Conditions Behind Barbed WireEndless Labor: The Reality of Online Scam Farms

Table of Contents Toggle BlogCast: From Audio to InsightIntroductionThe Anatomy of a Modern Romance Scam (and Why They Still Work)Old-School Lies, New-School ToolsHow the Scam UnfoldsWhy These Scams Still WorkFrom Utah to Nigeria: The Real Cases Behind the HeadlinesMulti-Million-Dollar Swindles: The Utah ConnectionAn Ex-Federal Agent’s Deep DiveHow the Scam Worked: Exploiting Trust and TechnologyHow the Scripts Play Out: Real Victims, Real Losses, Surreal Stories

Table of Contents Toggle  IntroductionI Almost Fell for It: Tales of Millennial Mishaps and Gen Z Close CallsSarah vs. The $375 “Bank” Text: A Real-World Bank Fraud ScamWhy Even “Digital Natives” Get DupedEmbarrassing Fail? Why Reporting Is a Power MoveUnmasking the Numbers: What Stats Say About Gen Z & Millennial Scam VictimsYou Call That ‘Digital Native’? How Our Online Habits Are a Hacker’s PlaygroundFrom Venmo to Instagram ‘Deals’: The Danger of Seamless Digital LifeSarah’s Story: When Venmo Becomes a Scam Magnet

Table of Contents Toggle Welcome to Another BlogCast Episode!The Gold Grifter ScamGold: Shiny Shield or Scam Magnet?Why Gold? (And Not Beanie Babies or Bitcoin?)Surging Prices, Surging ScamsWhy Seniors Are the Prime TargetsInside the Gold Bars Scam: Fear, Phonies & Christmas PaperPop-Ups, Panic, and Phony FedsHigh Pressure Sales Tactics: “Act Now or Lose Everything!”From Savings to Shiny Bars—And Then, Christmas Paper?Couriers: The Unwitting MiddlemenVulnerability for Sale: Why Seniors Get Targeted (and How Scammers Twist the Knife)Senior...

Table of Contents Toggle BlogCast: From Audio to InsightIntroductionPig Butchering Scam Overview: A Digital SlaughterhouseCryptocurrency Trading Platform Scams: Are You Next?Emotional Manipulation in Scams: The Soft Science of Getting ScammedMajor Cryptocurrency Scam Indictments & Money Laundering: Following the Dirty DollarsScam Prevention Tips 2025: Turning the TablesConclusion BlogCast: From Audio to Insight This post comes straight from an episode of Behind the Scams, the true‑crime podcast from Stamp Out Scams. We couldn’t choose between writing or talking about scams—so we figured, why not both? That’s how the BlogCast was born: in a world full of scams, sometimes you need both a keyboard and a microphone to fight back. We’ve turned this podcast episode into a full written story because the lessons in it are simply too important to miss. Scams don’t just steal money—they take away trust, security, and sometimes even lives. By turning these stories into blog posts, we make sure you can read, share, and easily search for the crucial prevention details that might one day protect someone you care about. If you prefer to take it all in at your own pace, the full story from the podcast is right here in written form. It’s designed to let you dig into the details in whatever way works best for you. Prefer listening over reading? The full episode is waiting for you in the player above. And if you’ve got a favorite podcast app, we’ve made it easy—just scroll click on your platform of choice. It’s like scam‑fighting, but hands‑free!

The Chilling Rise of Virtual Kidnapping Virtual kidnappings are not a new phenomenon. For years, scammers have been calling unsuspecting parents and family members, pretending they’ve kidnapped a loved one to demand ransom. Traditionally, these scams relied on generic sobbing or vague threats to elicit fear. Victims would panic and pay without verifying the truth. But now, the game has changed. In Episode 29, Nick and Sue reveal that artificial intelligence has completely transformed virtual kidnappings. With just seconds of audio scraped from social media or voice messages, scammers can create an eerily perfect clone of your loved one’s voice, complete with emotion, fear, and even their unique quirks. Imagine answering a call and hearing what sounds exactly like your child begging for help—your heart stops, your rational brain shuts down, and you’ll do anything to save them. Amanda’s Story: A Mother’s Worst Nightmare This episode highlights the true story of Amanda, a mom who experienced a virtual kidnapping scam firsthand. Her morning began like any other until she received a call from a local number. On the other end, she heard her daughter’s voice crying and screaming. A man’s voice then threatened her: “We have your daughter. Do exactly as we say if you ever want to see her again.” In that moment, Amanda’s world turned upside down. The scammer’s demands were urgent—don’t hang up, don’t call anyone, go directly to your bank and withdraw thousands of dollars. For the next harrowing half-hour, Amanda was trapped in a bubble of fear, convinced her daughter’s life was in danger. Her saving grace came from an observant bank teller who recognized the signs of a scam. They urged Amanda to call her daughter from another phone. When her daughter answered, completely safe at work, Amanda realized she had nearly become another victim of this frightening new breed of scams. The Role of AI in Modern Virtual Kidnappings Nick and Sue explain how AI voice cloning has pushed these scams to a dangerous new level. Once, scammers used vague, generic audio. Today, with as little as 30 seconds of recorded voice, advanced AI can replicate your loved one’s voice with uncanny accuracy. This includes: Emotion simulation: The fake voices now sound panicked, scared, or pleading. Background noise manipulation: AI can make it sound like the person is in a trunk, warehouse, or other hostile location. Behavioral mimicry: Scammers can reproduce individual speech patterns and quirks that parents and spouses recognize instantly. Combined with caller ID spoofing, these scams create a perfect storm of credibility and fear. Psychological Manipulation: Exploiting Human Instincts The episode dives deep into the psychology behind these scams. The scammers use what’s known as “amygdala hijacking”—triggering fear so intensely that it bypasses your rational thinking. Once you hear what sounds like your child crying for help, your fight-or-flight response takes over. Logic is replaced by raw emotion. Tactics include: Keeping you on the phone to prevent verification. Using urgent time limits: “You have 30 minutes or we’ll hurt her.” Isolating you by threatening violence if you contact anyone else. Using details scraped from social... Chapters (00:00:00) - Behind the Scams(00:00:55) - Behind The Scams(00:02:29) - Vinodian Kidnapping Scam(00:05:38) - Scammer Uses AI to Get Money From Parents(00:11:52) - How Scammers Are Getting Better at Stealing Money From People(00:12:19) - Virtual Kidnappings: How They Work(00:19:02) - How AI Is Taking Scammers to the Next Level(00:26:39) - How to Spot Fake Voices Used by Scammers(00:34:56) - How to Spot Voice Scammer Scams(00:41:48) - Virtual Kidnapping: How to Protect Yourself(00:43:07) - Behind The Scams

Keanu Reeves Celebrity Impersonation Scam Welcome back to Behind the Scams, presented by Stamp Out Scams. In this episode, Nick and Sue Henley take listeners deep into a crisis affecting thousands worldwide: celebrity impersonation scams. What starts as a story about fake Keanu Reeves accounts unfolds into a much larger tale of emotional manipulation, industrial-scale scam operations, and real victims losing their life savings. The Real Story of Margaret: A $100,000 Bitcoin Scam The episode covering the Keanu Reeves celebrity impersonation scam begins with Margaret, a 73-year-old woman from the rural South who lost approximately $100,000 in Bitcoin. Margaret was convinced she was helping actor Kevin Costner finance a new production company. Weekly Bitcoin deposits, constant messaging, and the promise of working together kept her emotionally invested for months. Her vulnerability wasn’t about naivety; it was rooted in loneliness, restlessness, and a desire for validation. Margaret’s belief was so strong she packed suitcases weeks in advance for a meeting that would never happen. The emotional manipulation was described as cult-like. Inside the Psychology of Celebrity Impersonation Scams Nick and Sue explore how these scams tap into fundamental human needs. Victims like Margaret aren’t just sending money; they are building an emotional dependency with a persona crafted to exploit their specific desires and vulnerabilities. The scammers use highly convincing photos, voice memos, and even fake IDs to maintain the illusion. According to experts cited in the episode, these scams specifically target demographics such as women over 60, who often report an average loss of $83,000 per person. The emotional and financial toll is staggering. Going Undercover: The Journalist’s Experiment The story takes a deeper turn when a journalist from The Hollywood Reporter decides to go undercover. She creates a fake profile named Linda, complete with an AI-aged photo and a backstory that included a deceased husband and a scruffy terrier. Within 90 minutes, she was contacted by a fake Keanu Reeves. Over six weeks, she received messages from multiple fake Keanus, Kevin Costners, and even Jonathan Roumie. Her experiment confirms that scammers have developed precise targeting strategies, focusing on women over 50 and using male celebrity personas that evoke trust and admiration. Beyond Romance: Investment Scams and Political Manipulation Nick and Sue emphasize that celebrity impersonation scams, like the Keanu Reeves celebrity impersonation scam, extends far beyond romance. Scammers now use celebrity likenesses to promote fake investment opportunities, endorse non-existent products, and even spread political misinformation. The tools are increasingly sophisticated, leveraging deepfakes, cryptocurrency for untraceable payments, and private messaging platforms that shield scammers from detection. Hollywood’s Fight Back: The No Fakes Act To combat this epidemic, Hollywood stars are banding together to support the No Fakes Act, a piece of legislation aimed at protecting artists’ voices, likenesses, and images from unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes. Over 400 performers, including Scarlett Johan... Chapters (00:00:00) - Behind the Scams(00:01:06) - Behind the Scams(00:01:41) - The Irreparable Impersonation Scam(00:03:45) - Kevin Costner Scammer Loses $100,000 in(00:11:05) - The Kevin Costner Scammer's Story(00:17:11) - How Do Scammers Get Such a Powerful Hold Over People?(00:24:29) - Are Stars Taking a Stand Against Deepfakes?(00:26:37) - The Secret to Celebrity Romance Scams(00:31:37) - Celebrity Dating Scammer Targets Older Women(00:38:54) - Keanu Reeves Is The Most Impersonated Celebrity on the Internet(00:42:36) - Keanu Reeves Admits His Image Is Being Used to Defraud(00:43:26) - Keanu Reeves's AI Company Shut Down Impersonators(00:48:21) - Keanu Reeves Scam Farms(00:51:54) - Stepping Up to Stop Facial Scams(00:59:19) - The Scammer Who Lost $100,000 to the Fake(01:05:35) - Behind the Scams: Celebrity Impersonation Scams

The Romance Scam That Crossed Borders and Broke Hearts In this episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick and Sue Henley unravel one of the most intricate federal indictments in recent romance scam history — the U.S. government’s case against Nigerian national Charles Uchenna Nwadavid. Charged with mail fraud and money laundering in the District of Massachusetts, Nwadavid’s scheme weaponized love, trust, and cryptocurrency in a calculated campaign that exploited multiple victims over three years. The story isn’t just about romance and deception — it’s about how emotionally and financially devastating these scams can become, especially when victims are manipulated into unknowingly participating in criminal financial activity themselves. Victims Turned Money Mules: The Double Exploitation in this Nigerian Romance Scam Indictment At the heart of this case is “Victim 1,” a woman who believed she was in a long-distance relationship with a man named “Williams Moore.” Instead, she became both emotionally drained and financially exploited, eventually handling and transferring more than \$2.5 million in scam proceeds — much of it in Bitcoin. What she didn’t realize? That money came from other romance scam victims like her. The indictment shows how Victim 1 was manipulated into becoming an unknowing “money mule,” a tragic figure used to help launder stolen funds from at least five other victims, each conned with different aliases, stories, and emotional hooks. Cryptocurrency & Obfuscation: A Modern Twist Nwadavid’s alleged use of cryptocurrency exchanges like Bitcoin of America and peer-to-peer platforms such as LocalBitcoins made it difficult for investigators to trace funds. Yet, a digital trail eventually emerged — one that linked access to scam-related accounts with IP addresses and even email addresses used on U.S. visa applications. Nick, drawing on his 25-year background in federal law enforcement, provides crucial insight into how crypto complicates investigations, and why these tools are now at the center of financial fraud worldwide. Psychology of a Scam: Love Bombing, Isolation, and Future Faking Sue and Nick break down the psychological tactics behind romance scams, from love bombing and emotional dependency to “future faking” and strategic isolation. Victims were made to feel essential, wanted, and central to a future life with their scammer — all while being exploited to fund that illusion. Whether it was oil rig injuries, overseas inheritances, or fake hospital bills, the lies followed a pattern — urgent, emotional, and strategic. Who Are the Victims? A Nationwide Web of Deceit Victims in this case came from all over the United States: Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida, and Kansas. Each believed they we... Chapters (00:00:00) - Behind the Scams: International Romance Scammer Indicted(00:01:24) - Behind the Scams(00:01:56) - Federal Scammer Arrested for Romance Scams(00:05:06) - These Fraudsters Used Money Mules to Commit Criminal Activity(00:06:21) - How Cryptocurrency Helped Prosecutors Catch Scammer(00:15:25) - The Scammers Using Digital Manipulation(00:18:43) - The Scammer Behind 900,000 Money(00:21:03) - The Scammer's Irrational Love Bomb(00:29:42) - Scammer Convicted of Scamming Hundreds of People(00:30:28) - Charles Uchenin Wadavid's Arrest in the US(00:39:49) - The Court's Decision on Detention for Right Romance Fraud Case(00:47:57) - The Nwatovid Court Case(00:54:36) - How to Strictly Detain Someone(00:58:37) - No Contact Orders for Felon(01:00:16) - Punishment and pretrial release in international fraud cases(01:03:08) - Behind The Scams: Charles Uchena Nwadavid

Episode Overview: The Shocking Case of Barbara Trickle and the Sweepstakes Fraud Conspiracy In this compelling episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue Henley pull back the curtain on one of the most jaw-dropping elder fraud schemes ever prosecuted. At the center of the case is Barbara Trickle, an 80-year-old woman from Las Vegas who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Her role? Operating a printing and mailing business that was responsible for producing and distributing millions of fake prize notices. These weren’t just spam letters—these were highly deceptive, personalized scams that tricked victims into believing they had won life-changing amounts of money. Victims were told they had already won prizes like $749,251 or even $1.5 million, and all they had to do was send in a small “processing fee” of $20 to $50. Thousands of victims, primarily seniors, fell for the scam. And over time, that small fee added up to a staggering \$15 million in stolen funds. Inside the Scam: How They Manipulated and Exploited Victims Barbara Trickle didn’t act alone. She conspired with Kimberly Stamps and John Kyle Muller, who played critical roles in running and refining the operation. Stamps, based in Arizona, managed the mailing lists, coordinated logistics, and processed victim payments. Muller, from Colorado, was the scam’s editor-in-chief—reviewing and perfecting the fraudulent mail content to make it as convincing as possible. The scheme ran from 2012 to 2018 and relied on psychological manipulation. The scammers made their letters look official, using seals, stamps, and fake agency names like “Office of the Registrar Funding Division.” Personalized victim names, unique ID numbers, and a barrage of follow-up letters kept victims hooked. If someone responded once, they were flagged as a repeat target and added to a secret victim database managed by Trickle’s business. The mailings implied that recipients were confirmed winners of massive cash prizes and simply needed to send a small fee to claim their reward. Victims sent checks and cash to post office boxes rented by the scammers. What did they receive? At best, a trinket of negligible value or a “report” containing public sweepstakes information. Most received absolutely nothing of value. Why This Case Matters: Real Lessons from a Real Indictment for Sweepstakes Fraud Nick emphasizes the importance of reading actual indictments to understand how these crimes are committed. That’s why Stamp Out Scams includes the full federal indictment for this case on the episode page at stampoutscams.org. These documents show in detail how scams are structured—from the flow of money to the deceptive language used. Posting these indictments serves two critical purposes: first, it educates the public about scam tactics so they can spot simil... Chapters (00:00:00) - Behind the Scams: The Elder Fraud Case(00:00:47) - Major Elder Fraud Scammer Pleads Guilty(00:03:50) - Nevada Scammer Convicted of Prize Notice Fraud(00:09:57) - Co-conspirators in the Mass Mailing Prize Notice Scheme(00:16:27) - How To Fall for a Sweepstakes Scam(00:23:58) - Phishing Scammer Caught in Six Year Scheme(00:28:27) - How Did They Get Money From Scam Victims?(00:31:37) - The Use of a Victim Database in the(00:34:19) - Barbara Trickle Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire(00:38:00) - Justice Department, Postal Inspection Service Arrests Fraudster(00:41:47) - How Do Scammers Get You to Fall for Their Scams?(00:46:17) - Phishing scams that ask for large cash prizes(00:47:25) - Why Are Older Adults Targeted in Scam?(00:49:37) - How to Avoid Prize Notification & Sweepstakes Scams(00:55:43) - The National Elder Fraud Hotline(00:57:22) - Federal and state resources to protect seniors from financial fraud(01:03:42) - Behind the Scams: The Scammer's Plan

In this explosive episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick and Sue Henley unravel a heartbreaking and jaw-dropping federal case involving a Houston couple who defrauded elderly victims out of millions through romance scams. Drawing from Nick’s former law enforcement experience and insights into federal indictments, this episode walks you through the scams, the tactics, and the justice system’s response. Akporugo and Sood’s indictment isn’t just another scam story—it’s a shocking revelation of how far scammers will go, and a call to action for listeners everywhere. The Love Scam Ring Playbook: Fake Love, Real Money From fake oil rig engineers to “grieving fathers,” this couple used a disturbing range of emotionally manipulative personas to steal money and trust. Victims were promised love, family, and companionship—what they got was lies, financial ruin, and heartbreak. They used dating apps, Facebook, shell companies, and even in-person meetings to make their stories convincing. At the core of it all? Greed—and a calculated, evolving fraud operation that spanned nearly a decade. Meet the Victims: Real People, Real Losses • Victim U.P. – Defrauded Over $1 Million Met “Abelard Wolf” on Match.com, later manipulated by “Patrick Morten” and others. Gave away cash, gold, credit card access, and was even driven to banks by the fraudsters. • Victim L.P. – Montana Widow Sent $85,000 Scammed by “Barry Hunt.” Sent a cashier’s check directly to a fake company registered to the scammers’ home. • Victim R.K. – Lost $400,000 in a Fake Oil Rig Investment Tricked into sending funds to “Beauteous Body LLC,” a shell company owned by Sood. • Victim J.L. – Lost Over $900,000 Wired money directly to Akporugo’s personal accounts, showing the brazen nature of the fraud. The Charges: Legal Consequences for the Fraudsters The U.S. Department of Justice charged Akporugo and Sood with: Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Mail Fraud Multiple Counts of Wire Fraud Aggravated Identity Theft Fraud in Connection with Access Devices Additionally, prosecutors filed a Notice of Criminal Forfeiture to recover any assets obtained through the scams. This opens the door for victim restitution, though that process is slow and complex. Red Flags You Should Know If any of these sound familiar, you may be speaking to a scammer: Claims to work on an oil rig or in a remote location Excuses for why they can’t meet in person or video chat Sudden emotional declarations early in the relationship Urgent requests for money—especially via wire, checks, or gift cards Promises of reimbursement or future wealth Isolation tactics (“Don’t tell your family—they won’t understand us”) ... Chapters (00:00:00) - Behind the Scams(00:01:03) - Five People Arrested in Romance Scam Fraud Case(00:04:28) - Massive Fraud Ring Convicted in Romance Scam(00:06:39) - The Heartbreaking Story of a 75 Year Old Widow Scammer(00:07:27) - Romance Scammer Gets $644,000(00:11:42) - The Palm Beach Scam(00:16:34) - Scammer Gets Direct Financial Benefits from Victim Up(00:19:10) - Akbarugo and Sud: Taking Gold Coins and Money From(00:22:46) - Scammer Uses a Shell Company to Get Money From Victims(00:30:16) - Scammer Uses a Shell Company to Launder Money(00:37:39) - Malicious Scammer: Victim RK Again Stumped(00:42:17) - Another Social Media Scammer Uses the Same Tactics(00:43:38) - Scammers Convicted of Sending $910,900 to(00:47:28) - The Criminal Case Against Darlington Akporugo and Jasmine(00:55:17) - Federal Wire Fraud Charges Against Akperugo, Jasmine Sud(00:56:32) - Akporugo and Sud Charged with Identity Theft(01:01:35) - Why Are Romance Scams So Effective?(01:04:55) - Signs That Money Scammer Is In the Trap(01:07:16) - Behind The Scams: How to Catch a Scammer(01:13:03) - Behind The Scams: The Fake Money Scams

A Heartbreaking Tale of Love, Loss, and Deception: Lost Pet Scams When Chloe’s beloved family cat Percy went missing, the anxiety alone was almost unbearable. But what followed was even worse — a scam so cruel and calculated, it left emotional and financial scars. In this eye-opening episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue uncover one of the most emotionally manipulative cons out there: The Lost Pet Scam. The Emotional Manipulation at the Heart of the Lost Pet Scam Lost pet scams are more than just financial frauds. They target people at their most vulnerable — pet owners terrified for the safety of their missing animals. Scammers lurk on social media and community boards, monitoring posts about missing pets. Once they find a grieving owner, they pounce, often posing as a vet clinic, animal shelter, or even a Good Samaritan who “found” the pet. The urgency they create is intentional. They’ll claim the pet has been injured, needs emergency surgery, or is being held at a shelter that requires immediate payment. Their goal? Get money fast — usually through hard-to-trace methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer apps. Percy’s Story: A Perfect Storm of Vulnerability Chloe’s mom was experiencing a medical emergency. In the chaos, Percy, the family cat, slipped out unnoticed. Days passed, flyers were posted, social media posts were shared — but no Percy. Then, a “miracle” call came in. Someone claiming to be from the Tampa Bay Humane Society said they had Percy. He’d been hit by a car and needed emergency surgery — to the tune of $2,000. Without hesitation, they paid. But Percy was never there. The number was fake. The story was a lie. And Percy? Still missing. Why This Scam Hits Harder Than Most Unlike traditional financial scams, this one deals in more than dollars. It deals in hope, love, and trust. When scammers insert themselves into the already traumatic situation of a missing pet, they rob victims not just of money — but of peace, hope, and closure. As a former federal agent and licensed private investigator, Nick Henley has seen many scams. But he says the ones that target emotional pain, like lost pet scams, are some of the most devastating. The Red Flags Every Pet Owner Should Know Recognizing the signs of a scam can save you heartbreak and financial loss. Here’s what to watch for: Unusual payment methods like gift cards, Venmo, or wire transfers Extreme urgency, such as “pay in the next 10 minutes or your pet dies” Impersonation of legitimate organizations — always verify independently Refusal to provide a current photo or video of the pet Claims that the animal cannot be visited before payment Prevention: Protecting Pets Before They Go Missing Being proactive is your best defense. Here are practical steps to take before tragedy strikes: Microchip your pet and keep your contact info updated Use GPS trackers or AirTags hidden in pet collars Have recent, clear photos of your pet from different angles Secure gates, fences, and doors to prevent escapes Limit personal information on lost pet flyers or social posts When your pet goes missing, report directly to verified shelters or humane societies using contact info from official we... Chapters (00:00:00) - Behind The Scams: Stolen Pet Scam(00:01:03) - The Lost Pet Scam(00:06:46) - Pet Scammer Targets Emotional Woman(00:12:07) - Scammer Uses Pet Situation to Get Money(00:16:09) - How Do Pet Scammers Get Your Money?(00:20:44) - How Pet Sitters Are Placed in Fear(00:22:50) - Signs That a Scam Is Real(00:25:28) - Three Pet Scam Red Flags(00:29:44) - How to Find Your Pet If He's Missing(00:37:02) - Scammer: What to Do Immediately?(00:39:00) - Lost Pet Scam(00:43:53) - Behind the Scams: Pet Scams

Crypto Scam: Episode Overview In one of our most jaw-dropping episodes to date, Behind the Scams pulls back the curtain on a newly unsealed federal indictment that reveals a sprawling, highly organized cryptocurrency fraud operation. This is not your average crypto scam — it’s a full-blown cybercrime syndicate that used high-level social engineering, psychological manipulation, and tech-savvy laundering strategies to steal more than $245 million in digital currency from unsuspecting victims across the United States. Nick and Sue walk you through this complex case, breaking down how a cast of characters with nicknames like “King Greavys,” “Papa,” “GothFerrari,” and “The Accountant” ran a modern-day digital mafia. Their crimes ranged from email phishing and cold-calling impersonations to physical break-ins and underground cash exchanges. How the Criminal Enterprise Worked Federal prosecutors allege this crew operated under what they called the “Social Engineering Enterprise,” a structured criminal network with clearly defined roles: Database Hackers who stole personal data and login credentials Organizers and Target Identifiers who picked out high-value victims Callers and Impersonators who contacted victims pretending to be from tech support or crypto exchanges Money Launderers who converted stolen virtual currency into real-world luxury assets Residential Burglars who broke into homes to steal hardware wallets This was a tightly organized operation that mirrored a Fortune 500 company in structure—but instead of selling services, they specialized in stealing digital wealth. How They Got the Money and How They Spent It From offshore exchanges to unlicensed crypto-to-cash services, the fraudsters allegedly deployed a wide range of laundering tactics. They converted Bitcoin into Monero to hide transactions, smuggled fiat cash in squishmallow toys, and even used straw owners to hide their luxury cars and homes. And the spending? Outrageous. The indictment outlines a lifestyle that included: $500,000 nights at nightclubs Luxury handbags handed out as party favors Designer clothing, exotic watches, and private jet rentals Multi-million-dollar real estate in Los Angeles, the Hamptons, and Miami All while their victims were left financially and emotionally devastated. Crypto Scam: The Arrests and the Cover-Up When the kingpin, Malone Lam, was finally arrested in September 2024, the operation didn’t immediately crumble. In fact, fellow conspirators attempted to destroy evidence, coordinate legal fees, and even continue running scams while Lam was in jail. Communications continued through jailhouse phone calls, encrypted messaging, and intermediaries still loyal to the cause. ⚖️ The Charges They Face The federal indictment lays out a series of serious charges: RICO Conspiracy (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments Obstruction of Justice Chapters (00:00:00) - Behind the Scams: Crypto Crime Lords Inside the $263 Million(00:01:09) - Behind The Scams(00:02:43) - Who Are The Defendants in the Case?(00:04:37) - Felons Arrested in Connection With Money Laundering(00:06:13) - The Indictment: Social Engineering Enterprise(00:10:09) - Cryptocurrency, Virtual Currency, Wallets(00:13:41) - Crypto Money Stealing With 'Seed phrase'(00:14:56) - Bitcoin, Hosted Wallet and Other Cryptocurrencies(00:16:37) - The Role of the Social Engineering Enterprise(00:20:54) - How the SE Enterprise Stole Virtual Currency(00:28:50) - The Crypto Money Laundering Case(00:36:16) - How the SE Enterprise Money Laundering Conspiracy(00:44:44) - The SE Enterprise's Role in the Malone Lamb Case(00:50:23) - The Crypto Scam defendants face federal charges(00:54:51) - Behind The Scams: Cryptocurrency Fraud(00:59:00) - Scam Announcement: Crypto Bros In Miami

️ Episode Description The Hook: Dreams, Pizza & Pink Cadillac Promises Monique was fresh out of the Air Force, craving purpose and community when a friend invited her to a Mary Kay “opportunity night,” a typical event in multi-level marketing. Between the free pizza, glossy brochures, and a $99 starter kit that “practically pays for itself,” success seemed inevitable. What she didn’t see were the crushing credit-card balances, mounting inventory, and psychological pressure waiting beneath the pink confetti. In this episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick & Sue Henley reveal how a single slice of pepperoni turned into a $75,000 nightmare. Climbing the Success Ladder—Straight Off a Financial Cliff Mary Kay’s internal ranks sparkle with titles like Star Consultant and Red Jacket, but each rung comes with a steeper buy-in. Monique’s first big leap—ordering $2,200 in product—earned her applause but no customers. As she worked toward Sales Director, the goalposts shifted again: maintain $13,500 in quarterly downline orders or lose status. What began as a side hustle morphed into a relentless hamster wheel powered by credit limits and self-purchases influenced by multi-level marketing strategies. Pandemic Promises & Coaching Catastrophes COVID-19 vaporized in-person parties and vendor fairs, yet the inventory quotas never budged. Uplines urged consultants to pour stimulus checks back into stock, framing crisis as “the perfect time to invest in yourself.” Seeking rescue, Monique paid $8,000 for an “elite” coaching package and later forked over $18,000 for a so-called million-dollar blueprint—both rich in affirmations, poor in practical revenue. By the time the lockdowns lifted, her garage overflowed with unsold blush and broken promises, typical pitfalls in multi-level marketing. Expert Breakdown with Nick Henley With 25 years in federal financial-crime investigation, Nick dissects the legal tightrope MLMs walk. He explains how compensation plans favor recruitment over retail sales and how tactics like love bombing, toxic positivity, and sunk-cost bias keep consultants spending long after profits disappear. Nick also flags common red lights—mandatory inventory, shifting qualifications, and income tied to one’s “team” rather than actual customers, which are characteristic of multi-level marketing structures. Helpful Resources Federal Trade Commission’s Guide to Multilevel Marketing – consumer.ftc.gov “Ponzinomics” by Robert FitzPatrick – a definitive exposé on MLM economics Pyramid Scheme Alert – watchdog group offering education and victim support The Cut feature: “How One Woman Lost $75,000 to an MLM” by Bridget Reed Report, Watch, and Support Think you’ve spotted a scam? Report it directly through Stamp Out Scams (SOS): https://stampoutscams.org/links/ Watch more scam-busting content on our YouTube channel, ScamTV: https://www.youtube.com/@scamtv SOS is a registered nonprofit dedicated to consumer protection. If you value our work, please consider a tax-deductible donation: Chapters (00:00:00) - How To Catch Mary Kay Scams(00:00:50) - Behind the Scams(00:01:31) - The Scam Story That Hurt My Soul(00:02:13) - How One Woman Lost $75,000 to an MLM(00:03:49) - Mary Kay Beauty Consultant for Military Women(00:08:23) - Mary Kay Cosmetics Cadd(00:14:13) - Scammer Uses MLMs to Get Money(00:15:30) - What's the Big Problem with MLM?(00:17:44) - Mary Kay consultant on the Mary Kay Train(00:22:01) - Mary Kay Saleswoman on How To Sell Her Product(00:24:01) - Mary Kay consultant's battle to get to Red Jacket(00:28:04) - Mary Kay Princess Court of Sales(00:32:36) - Mary Kay's 'Hamster Wheel'(00:37:36) - Mary Kay Sales Director's Secret to Not Quitting(00:42:03) - Mary Kay consultant quits(00:46:30) - Mary Kay Beauty Consultant Jessica Coach Exploited Money(00:52:41) - Mary Kay Coaches Scammed Former Clients(00:57:07) - Mary Kay Losses $70,000 in MLM(00:59:41) - The Secret to Placed in a Pyramid Scheme(01:01:45) - Behind The Scams: Multi-Level Marketing Scams(01:02:58) - Behind The Scams: Make-Up Scams

When Startup Hype Hides a Scam: Start Up Scams In Part One of this special two-part series, Behind the Scams explored how a new breed of Ponzi schemes has taken root in the United Arab Emirates, cloaked in the language, branding, and bravado of modern tech startups. We broke down the anatomy of these scams, explained why the UAE is a fertile breeding ground, and exposed how scam operators weaponize startup culture itself — buzzwords, stealth modes, and investor FOMO — to lure in their victims. It’s called start up scams…don’t fall for it! Part Two: Real Victims, Real Cases, and the Human Fallout In Part Two, we go beyond theory and into the real-world devastation these schemes leave behind. Host Nick and co-host Sue share disturbing case studies, including: Phoenix Capital Ventures, a $85 million real estate scam led by a Lamborghini-driving fraudster with fake royal connections. TechVision Innovations, which faked an AI crypto trading platform and used fake dashboards to con $40 million from investors. Oasis Family Investments, a devastating affinity fraud that preyed on Filipino workers in the UAE with promises of generational wealth. A Global Financial Crime Network This episode also unpacks how and why U.S. authorities — including the SEC and FBI — get involved in schemes based thousands of miles away. With U.S. citizens among the victims and American financial systems often being used to route funds, these scams become an international legal battleground. Nick explains how jurisdiction is claimed and what real cooperation between U.S. and UAE law enforcement looks like. Start Up Scams: The Emotional and Financial Toll on Victims From retirees forced back into low-wage work to young professionals left drowning in debt, we hear powerful victim stories that reveal the psychological toll of financial fraud. The shame, the silence, the destroyed relationships — these are scars that last far longer than a wiped-out savings account. What You Can Do to Stay Safe from a Start Up Scam We close the episode with practical advice for spotting the red flags of fraud — from unrealistic returns and high-pressure sales tactics to vague tech claims and offshore payment structures. Whether you’re investing $1,000 or $100,000, these tips could save your future. Looking Ahead The final takeaway? These scams don’t just damage individuals — they erode trust in emerging markets and punish legitimate entrepreneurs. With improved regulations, public awareness, and global enforcement, there’s hope. But until then, investor vigilance remains the first line of defense. Next week on Behind the Scams, we head into even murkier waters with a brand-new episode about crypto romance scams — where dating apps and digital currencies collide in a storm of emotional and financial manipulation. You won’t want to miss it. Helpful Links If you need to report a scam, please visit our “Report A Scam” website p... Chapters (00:00:00) - The Ponzis in the Desert: UAE Startup Scam(00:00:54) - Are Scammers Targeting Retired People?(00:07:58) - Are Investment Scammers Scamming People?(00:09:51) - What Kind of Due Diligence Should Investors Do Before Investing(00:12:23) - Red flags in Tech Investment Scams(00:13:57) - Are there any resources investors can use to spot scams?(00:16:18) - Will Technology Help Regulators Catch Scammers?(00:22:05) - Scammer's Guide to Startup Funding(00:23:55) - These Scams Are Affecting Startup Communities Around the World(00:28:05) - Emerging Markets' Scammering(00:30:31) - Five Things We Learned From The Ponzi Scams(00:31:23) - Are You Vulnerable to Investment Scams?(00:33:39) - Behind The Scam(00:35:27) - Behind the Scams: The Real Scams