IAFCI Presents... The Protectors

Welcome to The Protectors Podcast . In today's episode, Mike, Mark, and our expert guest, Eric Scherdel, discuss the dark side of online gaming. They'll cover topics such as video game fraud, online poker scams, and the latest in casino sportsbook fraud, aiming to expose these schemes and educate the players. Join us as we delve into the world of online gaming fraud and arm you with the knowledge...

Welcome to another episode of  The Protectors Podcast . Today, Mark and Mike are tackling two rising scams that are hitting consumers hard: auto purchase and lease fraud and train ticket scams. With our two expert guests, we'll uncover how victims are manipulated into leasing or purchasing multiple vehicles for scammers, often under the guise of romance, and how individuals and families...

Welcome to  The Protectors Podcast , your frontline defense against the ever-evolving world of fraud and scams. In this episode, Mike, Mark, and our expert guest, Detective Matt Hogan, bring you the latest insights on how criminals are exploiting the crypto craze by uncovering the sophisticated schemes and methods cybercriminals use to swindle millions. Whether you're a seasoned crypto invest...

Welcome to another episode of  The Protectors Podcast.  Today, we’re tackling a critical issue that affects homeowners and business owners alike - home improvement scams. As temperatures rise and fall, so do the number of fraudulent contractors and dubious deals. In this episode, we’ll highlight how these scams operate, who’s most at risk, and what steps you can take to ensure your home...

Welcome to  The Protectors Podcast.  Today, Mike and Mark uncover the intersection of fraud prevention and artificial intelligence with the help of our expert guest, Craig Bowling. From identity theft to online scams, join us as we navigate the complex landscape of protection and deception that comes with the amazing invention of AI. Remember - stay vigilant, keep exploring, and above al...

Welcome to  The Protectors Podcast -  the podcast dedicated to exposing the latest frauds and helping you stay safe. Today's episode shines a light on a growing threat in the world of food delivery. We're talking about sophisticated scams that turn your convenient restaurant-to-doorstep service into a financial nightmare. How are these fraudsters getting away with it, and what steps can...

Thanks for joining us for our latest episode of  The Protectors Podcast . Today, Mike and Mark explore the dynamic world of cryptocurrency and its darker side. While crypto presents promising avenues for investment, innovation, and financial freedom, it's not immune to exploitation. Joining us today is Michael Fasenello, a seasoned crypto expert who will guide us through these murky wate...

Welcome to  The Protectors Podcast.  In this episode, Mike and Mark explore the crucial role of Crimestoppers in our neighborhoods. With us today is a passionate advocate for community safety, a retired security professional who has dedicated countless hours to volunteering with Crimestoppers, Mr. George McDade. Stay tuned as we uncover the power of anonymity and the impact it has on sol...

Welcome to  The Protectors Podcast , your go-to source for staying one step ahead of the scams and fraud often accompanying tax season. As the tax deadline looms, so do the nefarious schemes of scammers impersonating IRS officials, "dirty" accountants exploiting trust, and a myriad of other deceptive tactics aimed at parting you from your hard-earned money. But fear not, because Mike, Mark, a...

Welcome to  The Protectors Podcast.  On today's episode, Mike and Mark delve into the intricate world of bank fraud and check cashing, shining a light on one of the most vulnerable populations often targeted - the homeless. In this podcast, we'll uncover the tactics used by perpetrators and the implications for both individuals and communities. Expert Shane Ensminger joins us as we navig...

Welcome to  The Protectors Podcast , where today, we delve deep into the harrowing world of sextortion and its devastating impact on thousands of individuals each year. Joining us is John DeMay, a courageous father who tragically lost his teenage son to the sinister grip of sextortion. In this heart-wrenching episode, John shares his family's painful journey, shedding light on the realities o...

Welcome to  The Protectors Podcast , where we delve into the murky world of scams, schemes, and fraud that lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life. On today's episode, Mike and Mark, along with producer Doug Taylor, discuss the top five scams currently afflicting our society. With real-life stories of those who've fallen victim, we aim to arm you with the knowledge needed to...

Today on  The Protectors Podcast , we uncover the intricate world of a deceptive practice known as "Pig Butchering." In this podcast, Mike and Mark shine a light on this fraudulent scheme that preys on unsuspecting victims, promising lucrative returns but ultimately leaving devastation in its wake. Our hosts are joined by Chris Thompson and Sammy Wu, two experts in fraud prevention who d...

Welcome to  The Protectors Podcast , the podcast that delves into the unsung heroes of law enforcement. On today's episode, we shine a spotlight on an agency that often operates behind the scenes but plays a crucial role in safeguarding our communities—the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Join us, along with Inspector in Charge of the USPIS Los Angeles Division, Carroll Harris...

On today's episode of  The Protectors Podcast , we are privileged to have Kathy Stokes, the National Director of Fraud Prevention for AARP and the driving force behind the AARP Fraud Watch Network. With a passion for safeguarding older adults against scams and fraud, Kathy has dedicated her career to educating and empowering individuals to protect their assets and financial well-being. Join u...

This month, the Department of the Interior joins with other federal agencies, community partners, advocates, and individuals to raise awareness about human trafficking, recognizing that every one of us can play an essential role in the fight against this devastating crime. In today's episode of  The Protectors Podcast , we have the privilege of being joined by a distinguished expert in the fi...

With the digital age continuously evolving, so too are the methods employed by cunning fraudsters seeking to exploit vulnerable individuals in search of love and companionship. Today on  The Protectors Podcast , Mike and Mark welcome Debby Montgomery Johnson - a romance scam victim who's now using her story and her journey to help other victims reclaim their lives. Join us as we navigate this...

Today on  The Protectors Podcast,  Mike and Mark explore the unique challenges and proactive measures taken by the US Postal Inspection Service to safeguard the joyous spirit of Christmas. Postal Inspectors across the country work hard to protect your mail, but with deliveries to more than 100 million addresses, the Inspection Service can't do it alone. US Postal Inspector and...

As we deck the halls and dash through malls, the holiday hustle could make us easy prey for scammers. In this must-listen episode of The Protectors Podcast , hosts Mike and Mark join forces with Scott Warren, a seasoned investigator from the Oak Brook Police Department, to spotlight the hidden traps of holiday shopping frauds and scams. Scott brings years of battling retail fraud to the table, sha...

Ladies and gentlemen, fraud fighters and curious minds alike, The Protectors is celebrating its two-year anniversary of entering the podcast arena! In today's episode of IAFCI Presents The Protectors Podcast, our listeners get to take a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how the IAFCI and The Protectors embarked on this incredible journey to educate investigators and the public about the dangers of f...

In the 1990's everyone remembers the McDonald's promotions and rewards programs. Buy some food, and maybe you will become a millionaire. Well, a former police officer working as a vendor for McDonald's saw an opportunity to rig the contest and line his pockets with a portion of the winnings over 12 years. However, a tip from an informant led to its unraveling, and a team of dedicated FBI agents, l...

In a world where our lives are increasingly intertwined with the digital realm, the battle to protect our identities has never been more critical. Identity theft is not just a crime; it's a relentless predator lurking in the shadows of our cyber lives, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting. It preys on your personal information, financial security, and peace of mind. Today on  The Protec...

In the darkest hours of crisis and chaos, they are the unsung heroes who rush toward danger when everyone else is fleeing from it. First responders - the valiant men and women comprising our law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency personnel - stand on the front lines of society, ready to sacrifice their own safety to protect ours. First responder suicide and mental healt...

According to the Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property, the theft of trade secrets costs the U.S. between $180 billion and $540 billion annually. And with advanced technology and the Internet, stealing intellectual property has become easier than ever before. Intellectual Property, or IP, can be movies, music, content on the web, software, patents, and more. Today's episod...

Welcome to the 50th episode of  The Protectors Podcast. Today's episode features special guest - news anchor, narrator, producer, and author Bill Kurtis. This legendary journalist's credits include hits such as Cold Case Files, American Justice, and American Greed, to name a few.  Host Mark Solomon, and sitting in for co-host Mike Carroll, April DeValkenaere, take listeners on a compelli...