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 occurring using cryptocurrency are described including the findings of a recent FBI report. Brief clips from notable crypto investors, bankers and regulators such as Michael Saylor, Jaime Dimon, Warren Buffett, SEC Chair Gary Gensler, and John Reed Stark reflect their views on cryptocurrency.   Along the way, we highlight the red flags for investors to consider to stay fraud-free.

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 awareness, provide education and limit the ability of scammers. Our special guest, Ron Long, has dedicated much of his career to developing improved ways for financial institutions to fight the scourge of elder financial exploitation. Ron created and led the Elder Client Initiative team at Wells Fargo Advisors and currently serves as the co-lead of the Senior Investor Compliance Services team at Stevens and Lee. It is critical to raise awareness to people of all ages so we can collectively work to prevent criminals from preying on our most vulnerable citizens.

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Host: Jim Barratt

Website: Barratt Consulting Group

LinkedIn profile: Jim Barratt, CPA, CFF | LinkedIn

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Special Guest: Ronald Long

Website: Ronald C. Long - Stevens & Lee (stevenslee.com)

LinkedIn profile: Ronald Long | LinkedIn

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To learn more about Elder Fraud Exploitation:

Internet Crime Complaint Center(IC3) | Home Page -FBI

Fighting fraud against older adults | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov) -Federal Trade Commission

How to Report Elder Abuse, Financial Exploitation (aarp.org) – American Association of Retired Persons

Protecting Seniors From Financial Exploitation | FINRA.org – FINRA

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Voiceovers by Cat Stratakis.

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 elusive Capone and send him to

jail. Frank Wilson was an IRS investigator who some consider the father of modern forensic accounting investigative techniques. His dedication, attention

to detail and interviewing skills brought to light hidden trails of cash that Capone enjoyed but never declared. Wilson’s approach to analyzing data influenced future investigators as they too would “follow the money”.  In addition, Frank Wilson was instrumental in developing methods to identify the kidnapper and murderer in the infamous Lindbergh baby kidnapping. As Wilson and his team reviewed millions of handwritten and hard copy documents, in today’s world, the investigations of

fraud involve the digital age of electronic data.  Data analysts with a variety of data and analytic tools can efficiently obtain, analyze and identify the needles in

the terabyte haystacks. Our special guest, Joe Hoang, is a seasoned data analyst and technology advisor who works hand in hand with today’s Frank Wilsons to conduct financial fraud investigations and assist companies and

individuals. Joe takes us through the development and use of data analytics into the modern era.

Hoang, Ascendant Solution Group

Department and the Secret Service” by Chief Frank J. Wilson and Beth Day, 1965,

by Holt, Rinehart and Winston

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 and we move from 1920 to 2008 to discuss the massive Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme with our special guest, forensic accountant, Marty Wilczynski, who was the co-leader of the consulting team providing investigative and litigation support to the trustee and his counsel on the landmark Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities SIPA liquidation. Along the way, we discuss the financial devastation, lessons learned and highlight red flags for investors to consider to stay fraud-free.

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Host: Jim Barratt

Website:

Barratt Consulting Group

LinkedIn profile:

Jim Barratt, CPA, CFF | LinkedIn

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Special Guest: Martin Wilczynski

Website:

Martin Wilczynski - Ankura.com

LinkedIn profile:

Martin Wilczynski | LinkedIn

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To learn more about Charles Ponzi and Bernie Madoff:

“The Rise of Mr. Ponzi”, The Long-Suppressed Autobiography of a Financial Genius, by Charles Ponzi, Copyright 2009, Despair, Inc.

Charles Ponzi, The Documentary, YouTube, Patrick E. Boyle, 2020

“The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust” by Diana B. Henriques, St. Martin’s Griffin, 2011

The Wizard of Lies, TV Movie, HBO, 2017

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Voiceovers by Cat Stratakis.