In this episode of Fraudish, Kelly interviews Everett Stern, an anti-money laundering compliance officer and whistleblower who exposed HSBC Bank's intentional money laundering practices benefiting terrorists and drug cartels. Stern shares his experiences in the financial industry, his journey as a whistleblower, the immense personal and professional challenges he faced, and his ongoing efforts to combat corruption through his companies Tactical Rabbit and Stern Cybersecurity. They also touch on the broader implications of financial crime, the role of ethics, and the support provided by organizations like Whistleblowers of America.

Everett's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/everettstern/

Links:

Dirty Money Doc

Whistleblowers of America Podcast

https://www.whistleblowersofamerica.org/

https://tacticalrabbit.com/

https://everettstern.com/

Dark Money and Private Spies

Bankers Too Big to Jail Piece

In this special episode of Fraudish, I sit down with two experts in investigative interviewing—Mark Anderson, founder of Anderson Investigative Associates, and Colton Seale, a seasoned investigator with a background in counterterrorism and the FBI. Together, we explore the art and science of effective interviews, uncovering how creativity and psychology play a crucial role in uncovering the truth.

Colton shares a gripping case from his time at the FBI, where an unconventional approach helped crack a kidnapping case in Nigeria. Mark emphasizes the power of empathy in interviews, explaining how genuine human connection can be the key to getting truthful responses. We also break down the importance of cognitive interviewing, behavioral science, and the strategies that separate great investigators from the rest.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Why creativity is essential in investigations—and how to cultivate it.
• How cognitive interviewing enhances memory recall and improves case outcomes.
• The psychology behind successful interviews: building trust, reading behavior, and asking the right questions.
• Tactical strategies for professionals looking to improve their investigative skills.

Whether you're new to investigative work or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will refine your approach to interviewing and fraud detection.

🔗 Connect with Mark Anderson: LinkedIn | Website
🔗 Connect with Colton Seale: LinkedIn | Pyxis Academy

This week on Fraudish, host Kelly is joined by James Rumph, a forensic accountant and fraud consultant at Schneider Downs, for a deep dive into the world of fraud prevention. James shares his unique career journey, from earning multiple fraud-related degrees to working with the FBI, and offers expert insights into the evolving field of fraud detection and ethics.

They explore:

• How behavioral science shapes fraud prevention strategies.
• The importance of skepticism and thorough testing in combating fraud.
• Controversial cases, including Dan Ariely and research fraud.
• Why valid behavioral research remains critical to fighting fraud effectively.

Tune in for practical advice and thought-provoking discussions on how professionals can stay ahead in an ever-changing field. Don’t miss this episode full of actionable insights and fascinating case studies!
Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrumph/  

It’s 2025 and we need to talk about AI. 

Kelly speaks to Chief Product Officer at Tracklight, to discuss the impact of AI on fraud detection and prevention. Amanda recounts her career journey from aspiring lawyer to law enforcement officer, then making significant leaps into tech startups and AI-driven fraud prevention. She emphasizes the importance of using AI to think like fraudsters for proactive measures, detailing how Tracklight leverages AI for public benefit programs. Amanda also offers advice to budding fraud fighters about embracing AI and taking career leaps to drive meaningful change.

Connect with Amanda D’Amico https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-d’amico-60a79b72/

https://tracklight.ai/

In this episode of Fraudish, Kelly Paxton sits down with David Taxer, cybersecurity expert and author of Shadows of Eden, for an insightful conversation on the intersection of technology, fraud, and human behavior.

David shares his unconventional path from tech enthusiast to penetration tester, revealing how an insider fraud case shaped his career. Together, they dive into:

• Fraud ethics and how gender influences the appeal of white-collar crimes
• The role of curiosity and pattern recognition in solving investigations
• The growing impact of AI on cybersecurity and fraud detection
• Practical tips for protecting your personal information
• Must-have resources for exploring open-source intelligence (OSINT)

Whether you're intrigued by the psychology behind fraud or fascinated by the latest cybersecurity trends, this episode is packed with valuable insights for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with David Taxer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtaxer/
• Check out Shadows of Eden on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Eden-Jack-Diamond-Novel/dp/B0D3J4RRRV
• Explore Fuzzy Panda Research: https://fuzzypandaresearch.com/globe-life-american-income-life-david-zophin-steve-greer/
• https://www.texascybersolutions.com/
• 
  

Listen Now to uncover the secrets of insider fraud and the evolving world of cybersecurity!

What's futurism and how is it related to fraud?

This week on Fraudish, Kelly speaks with Sam Radocchia, a self-proclaimed futurist, who shares fraud insights from her unique background in anthropology and technology. Sam explains how her journey led her to become a futurist, highlighting key experiences such as her involvement with blockchain, AI, and virtual worlds like Second Life. The conversation also touches upon economic disparities, the impact of technology on fraud, and the emergence of network states.

Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samradofficial/.

Ever thought about your school Lunch Lady? Do you think she was capable of crime? Maybe she even stole your lunch money… 

This episode of Fraudish, Kelly is joined by Emily Azzarito, to discuss her insightful paper “Lunch Ladies and Pink-Collar Crime.” Emily shares her personal journey from classical musician to attorney, and the inspiration behind her paper, which explores cases like the New Canaan lunch ladies and high-profile women such as Martha Stewart and Elizabeth Holmes. The conversation delves into why women are often trusted implicitly in the workplace, the misconceptions surrounding female white-collar criminals, and the need for more nuanced views on gender and trust in financial crimes.

Connect with Emily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-azzarito/

Read her paper: https://jgrj.law.uiowa.edu/news/2024/05/lunch-ladies-and-pink-collar-crime-gender-stereotype-costs-companies-millions

NYT Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/14/nyregion/connecticut-school-cafeteria-theft.html

In this episode of Fraudish, Kelly sits down with Allison Lagosh from Saifr to delve into the dynamic world of compliance, risk management, and fraud in the age of artificial intelligence. Allison shares her inspiring journey from pursuing a legal career to becoming a leader in the fintech startup space, offering invaluable insights for professionals navigating these complex fields.

Topics covered include:

• The impact of generative AI on the financial industry.
• Key regulatory challenges tied to AI adoption and fraud prevention.
• Practical strategies for balancing AI's potential benefits with emerging fraud risks.
• The evolving landscape of compliance in a tech-driven world.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone working in compliance, risk management, or fraud prevention—or for those curious about how AI is reshaping the financial industry.

💻 Learn more about Saifr: https://saifr.ai/
👩‍💼 Connect with Allison Lagosh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-lagosh/

Tune in to discover how industry leaders like Allison are shaping the future of compliance and fraud detection with AI!

You’re gonna want to listen to the end of this one for a poem that will change your whole perspective on fraud.
This week on Fraudish Kelly speaks with Melody Bruns for an insightful discussion into her impressive background and her transition from the FBI to the private sector. The episode delves into gender dynamics in embezzlement and the distinctions between men's and women's roles in white-collar crimes. Melody shares her journey to founding Pivot Point Consulting, which offers strategic analytical support primarily to private investigators. The conversation touches on AI's impact on investigations, the need for comprehensive ethics training, and the crossover of various crime types in investigations.

Links:

Connect with Melody

Research Analysis with Melody

https://www.pivotpointconsulting.co/

Pivot Point Newsletter sign up!

Mother Teresa quote

In this episode, Kelly interviews Mark Varacchi, a self-identified former Ponzi schemer who shares his captivating story. Mark discusses his background, including his time at Tiger Management, his gambling habits, and the six-and-a-half-year limbo period before his sentencing. He also talks about his experiences in federal prison consultancy, explaining how he aids others going through the justice system.

Links:

Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-varacchi/

Mark's Website: https://www.markvaracchi.com/

https://www.annieduke.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmr8YmwnZ3w&sttick=0