Scamalot Fraudcast

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Latest Episodes:

Unmasking "Junk Fees" and Restoring Price Transparency Jan 19, 2026

Have you ever booked a trip, bought concert tickets, or rented an apartment, only to find the final price was significantly higher than advertised? In this episode, we discuss the pervasive issue of "junk fees," those vague, hidden line items, such as "service charges" or "resort fees," that appear only at the checkout screen.

We examine how deceptive pricing tactics influence consumer psychology, identify the industries where these fees are most prevalent, and discuss new legislative efforts in Utah aimed at leveling the playing field for honest businesses and protecting consumers.

Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Utah Division of Consumer Protection: dcp.utah.gov

Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov

Junk Fees presentation: https://le.utah.gov/interim/2025/pdf/00002808.pdf

HB 29:https://le.utah.gov/Session/2026/bills/static/HB0029.html

Resolutions and Red Flags: Staying Scam-Free in 2026 Jan 05, 2026

As we kick off 2026, many of us are setting resolutions to find new jobs or improve our financial health. However, scammers are ready to exploit these goals. This episode explores how to safely stick to your resolutions by identifying red flags in employment and investment opportunities, as well as how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the fraud landscape. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Utah Division of Consumer Protection: dcp.utah.gov

Utah Division of Securities: securities.utah.gov

FINRA BrokerCheck: https://brokercheck.finra.org/

Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov

Renovation Red Flags: Construction Fraud, Job Abandonment, and Unlicensed Contractors Dec 15, 2025

This episode discusses construction fraud, job abandonment, unlicensed contractors, and the importance of verifying professional licenses. It also discusses common contractor scams, red flags, and how to protect yourself from them. Learn about the importance of hiring licensed contractors, the role of the Utah Division of Professional Licensing, and how to report issues. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov
Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL): dopl.utah.gov
7 Steps to Hiring a Contractor Pamphlet: https://dopl.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/steps-to-hiring-a-contractor.pdf
Construction Business Registry: https://dopl.utah.gov/construction-business-registry/
Standard Residential Construction Contract: https://dopl.utah.gov/contracting/construction-contract/
Residence Lien Recovery Fund: https://dopl.utah.gov/residence-lien-recovery-fund/
Verify a License: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Scams.utah.gov: scams.utah.gov
Division of Consumer Protection: consumerprotection.utah.gov

Fear, Excitement, and Love: How Scammers Use Emotions to Betray Seniors' Trust Dec 08, 2025

Join us for a discussion about senior scams, a serious issue where individuals 80 and older lose more money than any other age group. This episode dives into common scam tactics, including fear-based, excitement-based, and romance-based impostor scams. Learn to recognize red flags and get tips on protecting yourself and your loved ones. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Action plumbing press release: https://blog.commerce.utah.gov/2025/01/16/utah-department-of-commerce-brings-legal-proceedings-against-action-plumbing-heating-air-and-electric-alleging-gross-misconduct-and-exploitation-of-seniors/
Verify a license: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
DOPL: disciplinary newsletter: https://dopl.utah.gov/disciplinary-newsletters/
DCP file a complaint: https://db.dcp.utah.gov/complaints.html

Too Good to Be True: High Returns, High Risk, and the Collapse of the Rust Rare Coin Ponzi Scheme Dec 01, 2025

This episode of Scamalot Fraudcast discusses the case of Gaylen Rust and Rust Rare Coin, one of the largest Ponzi schemes in Utah history. We delve into the investigation of Rust's scheme, Rust's background, and the nature of the precious metals scheme. We also explain how Ponzi schemes work and how to spot red flags in potential investment opportunities.

Since recording this episode, nearly $30 million in restitution has been distributed to the victims, with additional distributions expected as remaining disputed claims are resolved.

Our guest this week is Elizabeth Blaylock, Chief Enforcement Manager at the Utah Division of Securities. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Verify a license: securities.utah.gov/licenses/verify-a-license/
Scam education: scams.utah.gov
Utah Division of Securities: securities.utah.gov

Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov

'Tis the Season of Scamming: Protecting Yourself from Phishing, Fake Charities, and Gift Card Fraud Nov 26, 2025

This episode discusses holiday scams with Katie Hass, Director of the Division of Consumer Protection. We break down the most common holiday scams to watch out for, including phishing scams disguised as shipping notifications, online shopping scams featuring fake stores and counterfeit goods, and charity and crowdfunding scams that capitalize on the season of giving. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org

Give.org: https://give.org/

Legal actions search: https://db.dcp.utah.gov/actions/index.html

Utah Division of Consumer Protection: dcp.utah.gov

Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Scams, Voice Bots, and Protecting Your Data Nov 17, 2025

This episode explores the evolving world of artificial intelligence and how malicious actors exploit it to deceive. It discusses the unsettling reality of AI scams, including deepfake videos, voice impersonations, and AI-generated phishing emails. Learn to identify red flags and protect yourself from these increasingly sophisticated threats. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov
Scams.utah.gov: scams.utah.gov
Utah Division of Consumer Protection (DCP): dcp.utah.gov

Utah Consumer Privacy Act: https://dcp.utah.gov/ucpa/

Cryptocurrency: Understanding Digital Assets and Avoiding Scams Nov 10, 2025

Show Notes:

This episode explores the world of cryptocurrency scams with Robert Cummings, Director of the Division of Securities. We break down the basics of digital money, including how it's acquired, stored, and used, its inherent risks, such as its volatile value, why someone might choose to own cryptocurrency, how cryptocurrency is exploited for scams, common types of crypto scams, and why scammers favor using cryptocurrency. We also discuss the most common mistakes people make that lead to losing their crypto. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Division of Securities: securities.utah.gov

File a complaint: https://securities.utah.gov/enforcement/file-a-complaint/

Verify a license: https://securities.utah.gov/licenses/verify-a-license/

FINRA broker check: https://brokercheck.finra.org/

scams.utah.gov

Top 10 Frauds and Scams in Utah Nov 03, 2025

Join us for a deep dive into Utah's most commonly reported scams and fraud for 2024. We'll explore crucial takeaways from the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel Network, a free and public resource that tracks consumer reports about marketplace problems, including fraud and identity theft. Learn about the top scams affecting Utahns, the age groups most impacted, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links Mentioned in the Episode: