The White Collar Support Group Oct 22, 2024

Hey everyone, it's Javier. Neal and I are working hard on season two of the Ponzi Playbook. In the meantime, I want to share an episode that I think you'll enjoy from my other podcast PRETEND.

It’s hard to imagine former executives, investment fraudsters, and insider traders gathering for weekly support meetings.

When I first heard about a support group for white-collar criminals, I was skeptical. It sounded like an SNL sketch: former hedge fund managers, insider traders, and embezzlers sitting in a circle, sharing their woes. However, Jeff Grant, the founder of the White Collar Support Group, doesn’t see it that way. After serving time for his crimes, Grant emerged with a mission—to help others like him rebuild their lives, one meeting at a time. “I was lost,” he admits.

After his release from prison, Grant realized there was no blueprint for people like him to re-enter society. That’s why he founded the White Collar Support Group, a space for those prosecuted for financial crimes to navigate life after prison.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18: Confessions of a Ponzi Schemer: The Timepiece Gentleman (Anthony Farrar) Apr 09, 2024

This episode offers an unprecedented look into the life of the 'Timepiece Gentleman' Ponzi schemer, Anthony Farrar, whose love for luxury watches spiraled into a deceitful web of lies, culminating in a rare and candid confession.

If you want to hear more wild Ponzi stories, subscribe to The Ponzi Playbook hosted by me, Javier Leiva, and my buddy Neal McTighe.

SUBSCRIBE: https://t.co/M02YhRa5Iq

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17: Defrauding a U.S. President? Ferdinand Ward's Ponzi Scheme Mar 13, 2024

The Swindle of the Century: How Ferdinand Ward Duped President Grant

This episode unveils the cunning plot that led to the financial ruin of

Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War hero and former President of the United

States.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16: Matthew Beasley: You May Get Shot If You Run a $500M Ponzi Feb 07, 2024

Matthew Beasley, once a respected attorney in Las Vegas, found himself at the heart of a $500 million Ponzi scheme, entangling investors with the promise of lucrative returns from slip-and-fall lawsuits. But his empire crumbled on March 3, 2022, with a shootout after the FBI showed up at his doorstep.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

15: The Cash Flow King: The Ponzi Podcaster Matthew Motil Dec 06, 2023

In this episode of the Ponzi Playbook Podcast, we delve into the shocking case of Matthew Motil, the host of "The Cash Flow King" podcast, who was charged by the SEC for running an $11 million Ponzi scheme. Motil, from North Olmsted, Ohio, is accused of deceiving over 50 investors with promissory notes, falsely backed by real estate, while using their money for lavish personal expenses. We'll explore how he used his podcast and social media to lure investors, promising low-risk, high-return investments, and the impact on those who lost nearly their retirement savings. Join us as we dissect this cautionary tale of investment fraud and the ongoing efforts by authorities to bring justice to the victims.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Red Collar Killer part 1 Nov 22, 2023

This week's "Ponzi Playbook" episode features a special crossover with Javier's acclaimed podcast, "PRETEND." Listeners are introduced to "The Red Collar Killer," the first of a two-part series. This engaging segment delves into the world of 'red collar' criminals, a concept coined by Frank Perri, an attorney, CPA, and certified fraud examiner. These criminals, originally involved in white-collar crime, resort to violence to hide their fraudulent activities.

PRETEND's "The Red Collar Killer" offers an intriguing look into this unique criminal behavior. For those captivated by this episode, part 2 will be available on "PRETEND," on your podcast platforms of choice.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vaCjR7UvlN9aTIzW6kNCo?si=7452a3292b1d4ec4

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretend-a-true-crime-podcast-about-con-artists/id1245307962

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14: From Soulmates to 'Scheme-mates': Brent and Jana Seaman's Ponzi Accusations Nov 08, 2023

Brent and Jana Seaman, a prominent Naples couple once regulars on the gala circuit, now face serious allegations as the SEC charges Brent Seaman with conducting a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme. On today's episode of the Ponzi Playbook, get an in-depth look at the couple's journey from socialite status to the center of a financial controversy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

13: Matthew Piercey: Ponzi Schemer Evades FBI Capture with Underwater Scooter Oct 25, 2023

Ponzi Schemer Evades FBI Capture with Underwater Scooter

44-year-old Matthew Piercey, accused of orchestrating a $35 million Ponzi scheme, led FBI agents on a wild chase through the streets of Redding, California. After evading capture on the roads and highways, Piercey made a desperate bid for escape by plunging into the icy waters of Lake Shasta, using a Yamaha 350LI underwater submersible device. Despite the treacherous temperatures and his mere street clothes, Piercey remained submerged for an astonishing 25 minutes before finally emerging, only to be apprehended by waiting law enforcement.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12. Inside the World of Ponzi Schemes with Attorney Jordan Maglich of PonziTracker.com Oct 11, 2023

Jordan Maglich, the Florida-based attorney, is a household name in the realm of Ponzi schemes. He's worked on landmark Ponzi cases and is the founder of PonziTracker.com. Join us on The Ponzi Playbook Podcast to hear about his firsthand experiences, the evolution of PonziTracker.com, and his unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of financial scams.

Note: While Maglich represents Raymond James, all opinions and insights shared are exclusively his own.

Follow Jordan Maglich on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmaglich/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11. Melissa Caddick: The Foot Washes up on the Shore Sep 27, 2023

The grisly discovery of a decomposed foot on a remote beach 300 miles south of Sydney has thrust missing con woman Melissa Caddick's Ponzi scheme into the spotlight. The mysterious foot discovery, along with her husband Anthony Koletti's frantic texts, ignited a media frenzy, shedding light on Caddick's murky financial schemes. Caddick had promised substantial returns to investors, amassing A$30 million primarily from family and friends over eight years. However, mounting delays and difficulties in accessing funds prompted the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to freeze her assets, exposing her financial front as an elaborate Ponzi scheme.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10: What a Shit Show: Ray Brewer's Cow Manure Ponzi Sep 13, 2023

The Cow Manure Ponzi Scheme that Scammed Millions

Wouldn't it be great if we can create energy from cow shit? It's a win-win idea. Fewer greenhouse gases in our atmosphere and a source of renewable energy. Brilliant! Right?

The so-called 'energy from cow manure' venture orchestrated by Ray Brewer became a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme. From 2014 to 2019, the consummate bullshitter Ray Brewer hoodwinked investors, promising green energy riches, tax incentives, and 66% of net profits in his elaborate web of deception. This bizarre saga involves fake anaerobic digesters, forged contracts, and a trail of misappropriated funds. Join us as we crawl out of Ray Brewer's cow manure Ponzi scheme, where investors' dreams turned into a nightmarish 'Shit Show.'

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9: Chimene Van Gundy: “The Queen of Mobile Homes” Ponzi Aug 30, 2023

Chimene Van Gundy, hailing from Texas, has been implicated in an alleged fraudulent scheme amounting to a staggering $18.5 million, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Nicknamed "The Queen of Mobile Homes," Van Gundy purportedly masterminded a Ponzi scheme that revolved around refurbishing and reselling mobile homes, leaving investors in financial ruin.

Follow The Ponzi Playbook on X (formerly known as Twitter):

https://twitter.com/ponziplaybook

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8: A High Flying Ponzi: Planes, Drugs, and International Fugitives Aug 16, 2023

Trust company owner Debra Lynn Mercer-Erwin is convicted on drug trafficking charges and found guilty in a $240 million Ponzi scheme.

Follow us on Twitter...errr X:

https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7: The $340M DeFi Crypto Ponzi Scheme Aug 02, 2023

Forsage.io Founders Indicted: Exploring Cryptocurrencies as Potential Ponzi Schemes

In this episode we unravel the Forsage.io scandal, revealing its founders' shocking indictment by the DOJ in February 2023. Originally flagged by the SEC in August 2022, Forsage.io, a DeFi crypto company, orchestrated transactions exceeding $340 million over two years, yet investigations unveiled its lack of legitimate offerings, surviving solely on unwitting investors' contributions. Join us as we dissect this unfolding saga and delve deep into the contentious debate surrounding whether cryptocurrencies inherently harbor the characteristics of a Ponzi scheme.

Follow us on Twitter...errr X:

https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6: Rick Siskey: From Chess Master to Ponzi Puppeteer Jul 19, 2023

Rick Siskey, known as "Big Rick" for his larger-than-life persona, led a lavish and opulent lifestyle while orchestrating one of Charlotte, North Carolina's largest Ponzi schemes. With a strategic mind reminiscent of a chess master, Siskey's ability to stay ahead and his uncanny foresight attracted high-net-worth individuals to entrust him with their investments. However, what seemed like a haven for their money was a house of cards. The IRS and FBI investigations uncovered that Siskey had diverted millions of dollars into personal accounts, indulging in luxuries like high-end wine, diamonds, and even casinos. The scheme unraveled, leaving behind a trail of devastated investors. Tragically, faced with the imminent collapse of his empire, Rick Siskey risks it all.

Follow The Ponzi Playbook on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ponziplaybook

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5: Doc Gallagher: Texas, God, and Affinity Fraud = Three Life Sentences Jul 06, 2023

Retired Christians Fall Prey to 'Money Doctor's' $32 Million Ponzi Scheme.

William Neil Gallagher, also known as "Doc" Gallagher, orchestrated a massive Ponzi scheme targeting retired Christians. Operating under the guise of a licensed investment adviser, Gallagher exploited the trust of up to 190 senior-citizen investors, ranging from ages 62 to 91. With losses estimated between $19.3 million and $32 million, this affinity con artist promised guaranteed, risk-free returns of 5% to 8% per year, only to shatter the dreams of those seeking financial security in their golden years.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4. Johanna Garcia: Mother Teresa Ran a Ponzi Scheme? Jun 21, 2023

Mother Teresa is the last person you'd expect to be caught up in a Ponzi scheme. Well, not the iconic humanitarian we all know, but a certain Johanna M. Garcia from North Lauderdale who went by that moniker in her community.

In 2021, The SEC filed a complaint against Garcia and her colleagues at MJ Taxes and More.

Initially known for helping businesses secure the funds they needed through Merchant Cash Advances, Garcia positioned herself as a savior for hardworking individuals seeking financial assistance. She boasted annualized returns of 120% to 180% for investors willing to participate as "Purchasers" in her scheme.

However, as the investigation unraveled, it became evident that Johanna Garcia, or the self-proclaimed Mother Teresa, was orchestrating an elaborate fraud scheme.

Listen to the story of Johanna Garcia, a Ponzi schemer who tried to hide behind the name of an angelic figure.

Follow The Ponzi Playbook on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ponziplaybook

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3. Fred Sharp: When a Fraudster’s Life Imitates Art Jun 07, 2023

In this episode of "The Ponzi Playbook," we deviate from the world of Ponzi schemes and explore the captivating life of Frederick L. Sharp—a story where life imitates art.

Follow us on social:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ponziplaybook

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ponzi-playbook/

Substack: https://ponziplaybook.substack.com/publish?utm_source=user-menu

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2. Eric J. Dalius & The Saivian Ponzi Scheme May 22, 2023

In this episode, we delve into the world of Eric J. Dalius, a mastermind behind the Saivian Ponzi scheme that promised incredible cash-back rewards for everyday purchases. Join us as we expose the elaborate pitch and the captivating persona of Dalius, who mesmerized investors with promises of lucrative returns.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1. George Santos & The Harbor City Capital Ponzi Scheme May 22, 2023

We peel back the layers of the Harbor City Capital Ponzi scheme, exposing the deceptive tactics orchestrated by Jonathan Paul Maroney and shedding light on the involvement of George Santos. In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate workings of the scheme, where enticing promises of remarkable returns through internet advertising conceal a web of deceit.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ponzi Playbook Trailer Apr 27, 2023

Welcome to The Ponzi Playbook, the podcast that exposes the dark underbelly of the financial world. Join hosts Neal McTighe and Javier Leiva as they take you on a journey through the seedy world of financial fraud, exploring the twisted minds of the people behind some of the most audacious Ponzi schemes in history.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices