First on Fraud

Before AI scams and deepfakes, there were Silk Road and Anonymous—two of the FBI's biggest cybercrime investigations. Former FBI Special Agent Chris Tarbell shares how he tracked hackers, flipped a notorious informant, and helped take down some of the internet's most infamous criminals. Subscribe today https://firstam.us/fraud-podcast

Real estate agents are being groomed by fraudsters through fake buyers, emotional trust building, and crypto investment scams. Sarah Frano and Matt Sager break down how pig butchering scams work, the warning signs to watch for, and how agents can avoid devastating financial losses. Subscribe today https://firstam.us/fraud-podcast

A fake Zoom call asking for a 360° body scan. A “buyer” quietly mapping an agent’s every move. These are real scams happening right now. From deepfake identity harvesting to reconnaissance tactics, fraudsters are no longer chasing deals. They’re targeting you. Subscribe today https://firstam.us/fraud-podcast

AI voice agents are now calling businesses 24/7 and they’re no longer scripted. Kevin Tian of Doppel joins First on Fraud with a live demo, explains real-time takedowns, and previews what’s next as AI agents begin targeting each other. Subscribe today https://firstam.us/fraud-podcast

Romance should be built on trust, but in real estate unchecked trust can be dangerous. In this Valentine’s Day episode of First on Fraud, Sarah and Matt unpack how partners and ex-partners use love, access, and authority to commit real estate fraud. From forged powers of attorney to romance-driven LLC scams, they share real-world cases, warning signs, and tips for real estate professionals. Subscr...

Refinance fraud is surging and the stakes are massive. A new ALTA study shows refi fraud and forgery claims average $207,000. Discover how equity stripping is accelerating and why a newly introduced endorsement is the industry’s long-awaited answer to a fraud problem that directly impacts today’s transactions. Subscribe today https://firstam.us/fraud-podcast

What happens when FinSinners take their game into real estate? Former CIA officer and Treasury Special Agent John Cassara joins Sarah Frano and Matt Sager to reveal how criminals use luxury properties, shell companies, and cash deals to wash billions—and what expanded regulations mean for your business. Subscribe today https://firstam.us/fraud-podcast

How do global FinSinners—from cartels to corrupt actors—use the financial system to wash trillions? Former CIA spy and Treasury agent John Cassara joins Sarah Frano and Matt Sager to expose how they exploit FinCEN rules, move billions, and why real estate pros must understand new reporting rules. Subscribe today https://firstam.us/fraud-podcast

Join Sarah and Matt in this spine-chilling Halloween special where they dive into the eerie world of real estate fraud where even the deceased aren't safe from scammers. From cyber criminals in hoodies to fraudsters trolling obituaries, this episode uncovers the dark and twisted tales of how properties are stolen using the identities of the dead.  Subscribe today https://firstam.us/fraud-podcast

Our hosts pull back the curtain on one of real estate’s most frustrating and misunderstood problems, squatting. From squatters sneaking into a brand-new model home to scammers using fake leases to “rent” homes they don’t own, we dig into how these schemes work, the laws (and loopholes) around squatters’ rights.

Former FBI Special Agent Keith Givens returns to First on Fraud™ to expose the players behind real estate fraud. From state actors to fraud corporations to inside conspirators, Keith pulls back the mask on who is behind the fraud industry. Plus, Keith shares his expert guidance on what to do if you or your client is a victim of fraud.

Our experts sit down with former FBI Special Agent Keith Givens to dissect the FBI’s latest report exposing the unprecedented surge in real estate fraud. Get an insider’s view of the data, expert tips, and learn why the Financial Fraud Kill Chain can be your best chance for recovering a customer’s stolen funds.

What works, what’s hype, and what to tell your clients? In this episode, we cut through the noise to answer the big questions about title monitoring services. Are they worth paying for? Get expert insights to help you advise your clients, protect your own property, and stay sharp in this dynamic fraud world.

Our most popular webinar is now an extended podcast episode you won’t want to miss. Experts reveal how deep fakes and voice cloning are already threatening real estate deals, share real stories of fraud, and offer tips to protect yourself from identity theft.

In this episode, Sarah Frano and Matt Sager discuss seller impersonation fraud and how easy it is to get fake IDs. They emphasize the importance of ID verification in real estate deals and share tips to help you spot a fake ID and protect your next property transaction from fraud. 

In this episode, fraud experts Sarah Frano and Matt Sager delve into the story of a prisoner who was released to discover his home was now occupied by a new family. The episode highlights the vulnerability of prison populations to fraud and emphasizes the importance of verifying powers of attorney.