Financial Fraud and Other Shenanigans

You likely have heard of the term, “Insider Trading” before, but do you know who might be an insider and how someone can be charged with a crime? Insider trading has been a hot-button issue for years and is a perennial problem that occurs when greed meets opportunity and information is exploited for personal gain. Many of us have heard about high-profile business people and celebrities who have be...

You likely have heard of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and Bitcoin, but what is it, really? In this episode, we focus on the fascinating world of cryptocurrency, with high-level descriptions of Bitcoin and blockchain technology.  We discuss the pros and cons of digital currency and provide a look back at their development.  The growing fraudulent schemes and types of frauds that are occur...

In this episode, we dive into the devastating issue of elder fraud, which is growing at an alarming rate and seriously harming our senior population. We explore the impact of the various types of scams targeting the elderly. Victims are losing billions of dollars each year with the increase in email, internet and cryptocurrency scams. Government agencies and companies are working to raise awarenes...

During the Roaring 20s in the US, Prohibition outlawed the sale of alcohol which led to gangs of criminals and bootleggers ruling urban cities, among them was the notorious Al “Scarface” Capone. Al Capone was deemed Public Enemy Number One and illegally earned millions of dollars but never paid any income taxes. That is until an unsung hero named Frank J. Wilson developed evidence to convict the e...

You likely have heard of the term, “ Ponzi Scheme ” before, but do you know its origin? In this episode, we explore the fantastic scheme conducted by Charles Ponzi , who became the namesake of the “rob Peter to pay Paul” fraud scheme. In 1920, Charles Ponzi went from pauper to millionaire to prisoner under the guise of trading international postal reply coupons. Ponzi schemes continue to persist a...

Welcome to the Financial Fraud and Other Shenanigans podcast! Join seasoned forensic accountant, Jim Barratt, and his special guests as they explore historical and recent financial frauds that will educate, entertain, and inform to keep you fraud-free.