Children today are more vulnerable than ever to online predators—especially on platforms like Snapchat, where anonymity and impulsivity can collide with devastating consequences.

In today’s episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark sit down with two incredibly brave parents who took immediate, decisive action when their daughter was targeted in what could’ve turned into an extortion scam. They walk us through how they recognized the warning signs, the critical role law enforcement played, and the red flags every parent should be watching for. This is an important episode for anyone with kids, teens, or young adults navigating the digital world because the scammers are out there - and they’re professionals - but so are The Protectors!

The Protectors Podcast - Smart Parenting In a Digital World

NetSmartz: https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/home

InternetMatters: https://www.internetmatters.org/

StopBullying.gov: https://www.stopbullying.gov/

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Elder abuse isn’t always visible—and it’s more common than most people realize. In this episode of The Protectors Podcast, recorded at the 2025 TIAA Fraud Summit, Mike and Mark are joined by Kristy Preston and Meredith Smith, two experts with deep experience in helping vulnerable adults. They unpack the many forms elder abuse can take—financial, emotional, physical, and more—why it often goes unnoticed, and what steps you can take if you suspect someone is being harmed. This is a conversation about awareness, action, and protecting those who can’t always protect themselves.

The Protectors Podcast - Where Awareness Meets Action.

North Carolina Adult Protection Network: https://protectadults.sog.unc.edu/

Search "Elder Abuse" in your state

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

In a landmark episode recorded live on stage at the 2025 TIAA Cyber Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina, The Protectors Podcast took center stage before a massive crowd of fraud fighters, cyber experts, financial crime investigators, and law enforcement professionals. Hosts Mike and Mark were joined by a recently retired law enforcement veteran, who delivered a compelling message that echoed across the room: Educate yourself, Engage others, and Empower them with the tools to stay protected and spread awareness.

This live episode marked a bold new format for the show—and a timely reminder of why the fight against fraud is more about people than it is about procedures.

The Protectors Podcast - From Victim to Voice to Vigilance.

TIAA Website: https://www.tiaa.org/public?tc_mcid=bn_yextglocal_0618

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Welcome to The Protectors Podcast. In this episode, we look at a case that proves local police can be just as powerful as federal agencies when it comes to romance scams. A determined detective helped our guest find justice—and she’s now helping others through victim support groups, books, and advocacy. It’s a story of recovery, partnership, and hope. Listen, learn, and see how the right help can make all the difference.

The Protectors Podcast - Stopping Scams in Their Tracks.

Debbie Fox:

Website: https://www.flowwithdebbiefox.com/

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flowwithdebbiefox/

Instagram Username: @flowwithdebbiefox

Author/Advocacy Page: https://www.flowwithdebbiefox.com/pages/debbie-fox-author-page

FLOW Circle Peer-to-Peer Mindfulness Group: [email protected]

Books: Encrypted Hearts: Love and Cyber Suspense, and FLOW Journal: A Companion for Healing and Renewal, available worldwide online from major booksellers.

Amazon link to author page with links to both publications: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Debbie-Fox/author/B0DQVKCP6S?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flowwithdebbiefox

Speaker/Advocacy Inquiries: Please contact directly through email, contact tab on website or Linkedin.

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Online dating is now the go-to way to meet people, but it also opens the door to scams. In this episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark talk with a man who became the target of a romance scam. It’s an emotional, revealing conversation that sheds light on the red flags he missed, the tactics scammers use to build trust, and the emotional and financial toll these schemes can take. Whether you’re dating or know someone who is, this is one conversation you'll want to hear.

The Protectors Podcast - Know the signs. Stop the scams.

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Welcome to The Protectors Podcast — where real experts tackle real threats. This week, Doug Taylor steps in for Mike as co-host alongside Mark for an eye-opening conversation with a special guest expert on home and business burglaries. The focus? South American Theft Groups—also known as SATGs. These highly organized crews are targeting neighborhoods and businesses across the country. Our guest breaks down how they operate, what they’re after, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself.

The Protectors Podcast - Defense Starts Here.

Jose Mendez Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jose-mendez-a754024b

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Welcome to our next episode of The Protectors Podcast. Today, Mike and Mark explore the intricate world of gold fraud—a crime that has defrauded Americans of over $126 million in 2024 alone. Scammers, often posing as government officials, manipulate victims into converting their savings into gold bars, which are then collected by couriers under false pretenses. Our guest expert breaks down these elaborate schemes and discusses the role cryptocurrency plays in this scam. Don't miss this essential discussion on protecting your family's wealth in an increasingly deceptive financial landscape.

The Protectors Podcast – Where Awareness Meets Action

ABC News Segment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvvuKoHriPE

MCPD Financial Crimes Section: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/fraud/financial-crimes-section.html

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Welcome to The Protectors Podcast! Today’s episode is a little different—our host, Mark Solomon, steps into the guest chair, while our producer takes over as cohost. Mark takes us deep into the world of AI and deep fakes, explaining just how shockingly realistic these digital forgeries have become. From hyper-realistic videos to nearly flawless audio impersonations, he walks us through the different types of deep fakes, what they mean for all of us, and most importantly, how to spot them before they fool you. Stay tuned for an eye-opening conversation that will change the way you see—and hear—digital content!

Deep Fake Examples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wVpVH0Wa6E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwFRU-pJcvk

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Welcome to The Protectors Podcast. Today, Mike and Mark welcome a subject matter expert who dives deep into fraud and scam prevention. She breaks down real-world scenarios, highlighting the red flags that people often miss. But more importantly, for every situation presented, she offers a solution—practical steps you can take and key websites to check before making a decision. If you want to stay ahead of the scammers, this episode is packed with the information you need.

The Protectors Podcast - Protecting What Matters

Plessas.net: https://plessas.net/

The Academy: https://academy.plessas.net/

Contact Kirby: [email protected]

Google Lens: https://lens.google/

Bing Images: https://www.bing.com/images

Facecheck.id: https://facecheck.id/

Ipaddress.com: https://www.ipaddress.com/

Whatsmyname.app: https://whatsmyname.app/

Archive.org: https://archive.org/

Arrests.org: https://arrests.org/

Operationshamrock.org: https://operationshamrock.org/

IC3.gov: https://www.ic3.gov/

Google Lens: https://lens.google/

Bing Images: https://www.bing.com/images

Type "Who Is" into Google

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

In this episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark welcome Todd Riedinger, a fraud investigator who has helped countless scam victims recover their stolen money. Todd shares insights into the growing threats of romance and elder scams, as well as a wide range of financial fraud schemes that target victims of all ages. Most importantly, Todd explains how the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) has been instrumental in solving cases and bringing fraudsters to justice. Fraud is everywhere, but with the right tools and teamwork, justice is possible—don’t miss this episode!

The Protectors Podcast – Exposing Fraud, Empowering You

Todd Riedinger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-t-riedinger-92552755/

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]